And you know what? Remember that kid who shouted "LaFaye's blowing her nose on the towel dispenser" way back when I was in grade school? Well, he wrote to me the other day to say how sorry he was for the way he acted back then. He also let me know that part of the reason he was mean to me was because he felt so insecure about himself. So, if a kid is ever cruel to you, just remember that kid may be hurting, too.

Look at my characters Nate and John from Worth— they're awfully hard on each other in the beginning of the book. They feel so bad about themselves that they lash out. It isn't until they learn to see their new "brother" for who he is inside that they become friends. Who knows? Chris and I may even become friends now that we're getting to know each other.

Chris has become a dedicated teacher who strives to help his students see that they shouldn't tease anyone or stand by and watch kids be cruel to each other. They should respect everyone they know and insist that others are respectful too. He's became a pretty amazing teacher.  And it just goes to show you, if we all learn from what happens to us as kids we can grow up to help the next generation become better people. And become better people ourselves. So no matter who you are today, you can always grow. Think of your inner character with wings. If you make your inner self strong, you'll be able to fly anywhere from where you are. Have a happy flight!