Today in downtown San Diego, I watched a blue collar Mexican man get harassed for being Mexican. It was a blatant act of discrimination. And the man actually began crying. As he left the office building, he took off his jacket. His t-shirt underneath read, "I love the USA!" MMT

Today, I interviewed a woman who is terminally ill. "So," I tried to delicately ask, "What is it like to wake up every morning and know that you are dying?" "Well," she responded, "What is it like to wake up every morning and pretend that you are not?" MMT

Today, I was working in a coffee shop when 2 gay men walked in holding hands. As you might expect, heads started turning. Then a young girl at the table next to me asked her mom why 2 men were holding hands. Her mom replied, "Because they love each other." MMT

Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn't eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, "We can share it." MMT

Today, I was looking through the Facebook remembrance groups of two people that died from my high school. The girl was sweet, smart, quiet and unpopular. She was killed by a drunk driver. The guy was inconsiderate, rude and popular. He was the drunk driver. His group has 602 members. Hers has 48. MMT

Today, I waited on an elderly woman at the local restaurant where I work. She left me a $90 tip on a $10 tab with a handwritten note that said, "I'm 86 and I can't take this money with me. So please spoil yourself with it." MMT

Today, I asked my 6 year old son what he wants to be when he grows up. He said, "Mommy, all I want to be is happy." MMT

Today, I was driving to a job interview when I saw a businesswoman standing next to her BMW on the side of the road. She had a flat tire. I pulled over and helped her put on the spare. When I arrived to the interview, the woman who I helped ended up being the CEO of the company. I got the job. MMT

Today, my cousin died. He has been a Marine for 6 years. He fought for our country overseas on 3 separate tours in Iraq. He came home on leave 2 weeks ago and was killed by a drunk driver. MMT

Today, while I was driving my grandfather to his doctor's appointment, I complained about hitting 2 red lights in a row. My grandfather chuckled and said, "You always complain about the red lights, but you never celebrate the green ones." MMT

Today, I was in line at the store behind a man holding a dozen roses. When he got up to the cashier's counter, he realized that the cashier looked sad. The man smiled and said, "I'm buying 11 of these roses for my wife." And then he handed the cashier the 12th rose. She smiled from ear to ear. MMT

Today, my father told me, "Just go for it and give it a try! You don't have to be a professional to build a successful product. Amateurs started Google and Apple. Professionals built the Titanic." MMT

Today, one of my best friends, Charlie, shot himself in the head at approximately 2PM. And I just noticed that I have a missed call from him on my cell phone with a timestamp of 1:56PM. MMT

Today, as soon as my 5-year-old baby brother came into my room, I yelled at him to get out without even looking up at him. When he didn't listen and I turned around to yell again, I noticed he had a bowl of cherries (my favorite) in his hands. He said, "Sorry, I just wanted to share these with you." MMT

Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face. MMT

Today, a girl who I see everyday at work, who's always the most chipper person in the office, committed suicide. MMT

Today, I was randomly pulled over by a cop for the 2nd time since I bought my new pimped-out Chrysler 300. It's got 20 inch rims, black glass, etc. Both times, a white cop came up to my window and said something like, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." and drove away. I’m white. MMT

Today, I returned home after being stationed in Iraq for 9 months. While I was still in uniform, I went into an ice cream shop near the airport to get a milkshake. The girl behind the counter handed me my shake and said, “It’s on me.” “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that,” I said. “Neither did you,” she replied. MMT

Today, after spending the last 3 years viciously bickering with the college kid who lives next door, I found myself crying in his arms and thanking him repeatedly for saving my son's life. MMT

Today, I was walking along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach when I saw 4 teenagers heckling a homeless beach bum. He laughed and said, "I'm not crazy! 'Crazy' is spending 40 years of your life hating 40 hours a week." MMT

Today, at work, a woman and her young daughter came to my register. The girl was hugging her mother's leg and being very well behaved. She kept saying, “I love you mommy.” Suddenly, her mom jerked her leg and said, "Get off!" The young girl walked 15 feet behind her mother the whole way to their car. MMT

Today, after eating lunch, I walked out of a restaurant carrying a box of leftovers. A homeless man came up to me and asked if he could have some of the food. I ignored him and kept walking. Two minutes later, I tripped over a curb and spilled the leftovers all over the sidewalk. MMT

Today, I met a cute white guy at a local bar. In conversation he mentioned that he supports same sex marriages. I politely asked him if he was gay. He chuckled and said, "My mom supported the Civil Rights Movement. Do I look black to you?" MMT

Today, I saw a well-groomed woman at the grocery store pull food stamps out of her Louis Vuitton purse while using her fake, salon-styled nails to text on her BlackBerry. MMT

Today, in the grocery store parking lot, I watched a man run as fast as he could with a packed shopping cart and then jump on the back for a ride. He smiled and chuckled aloud as he rode the cart all the way to his car. He was in his mid-40's and wearing a formal suit and tie. MMT

Today an old woman at the gas station came up to me and said, "I'm so embarrassed, but could you help me?" I thought she was going to ask for money, but she told me that last week her husband died and she had never pumped gas before. She had no idea what to do. MMT

Today, I got into a big fight with my boyfriend. Angry, I got on FB seeking some comfort. My friends all said they were busy. Sad, I clicked on the last person on my list, a nerdy boy who my friends pick on all the time. He listened to me for 3 hours straight, and said things that left me speechless. MMT

Today at the diner where I work, an elderly couple came in for the 4th time this week and requested my table. I asked them what kept them coming back. They told me that I reminded them of their granddaughter who passed away 6 years ago. Then they told me her name. She was my best friend at the time. MMT

Today, like every day for the last 4 years, my father picked a fresh flower from his garden and took it to my mother. This time I decided to go with him to see her. And as he placed the flower on her grave, he said, “I just wish I had picked her a fresh flower every day when she was alive.” MMT

Today I was approached by a homeless man who asked if I had any change. I only had two dimes, but I gave it to him anyway. As I watched him walk away, he put the dimes in an expired parking meter of a strangers car. MMT

Today, I kissed a girl for the first time. I am a girl and it felt right. MMT

Today, my sister told me a student of hers turned eight years old on Friday. When I realized he was born on September 11, 2001, I said, "How horrible for his family." My sister explained that his grandfather worked at the Pentagon and skipped work that day upon learning his daughter was in labor. MMT

Today, I was sitting on a hotel balcony watching 2 lovers in the distance walk along the beach. From their body language, I could tell they were laughing and enjoying each other's company. As they got closer, I realized they were my parents. My parents almost got divorced 8 years ago. MMT

Today when I read the news about the healthcare debate, I thought of my dad, who died of colon cancer at 86. When the doctor told him he could have 6 to 8 more weeks with chemo and radiation, my dad was horrified. "Spend Medicare money on me when there are kids without health insurance? I'm 86!" MMT

Today, my daughter who struggled to get C's in grade school owns a multi-million dollar cosmetics company. My daughter who was in the gifted program in grade school is happily employed as a kindergarten teacher making $35K a year. MMT

Today, a 16 year old girl I know hanged herself. She did so after telling her mom that she had gotten drunk at a party last night and was raped by a stranger. She left a note that said, “I wish you believed me.” MMT

Today, I read about Obama protestors marching down public streets carrying loaded fire-arms. These protestors were not arrested. But gay and lesbian protestors elsewhere in this country have been harassed and arrested for simply holding hands and marching in solidarity. MMT

Today, at the train stop near the hospital a man and his 3 kids got on. The kids were loud and out of control. An annoyed passenger asked, “Is there a reason you’re letting your kids go nuts?” The man sighed and said, “The doc just told me their mother isn’t going to make it. Sorry, I’m just trying to think before I tell them.” MMT

Today, I put 2 hours worth of coins into a Chicago street parking meter on my way into a business meeting. The meeting lasted nearly 4 hours. I expected to see a $120 parking ticket on my car when I returned, but instead the meter read '27 minutes remaining.' Someone paid my meter for me. MMT

Today, my 21 year old son's alternative rock band received a record deal from a major record label. I spent the last 5 years trying to convince him that college was the smarter way to go. But he stood his ground and pursued his dream. And now he's living it. MMT

Today, I saw a pretty scary looking guy who had a tall blue mohawk and tattoos and piercings all over his body. He was helping my elderly neighbor take her trash down to the curb. My neighbor told me afterwards that the guy was just walking by and offered to help. MMT

Today, a man came in to apply at my restaurant. He seemed charismatic, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. Later, when I went to call him to extend a job offer, I noticed he had written "ask for me" under his number. The number belongs to a homeless shelter. But I’m gonna take a risk and hire him anyways. MMT

Today, I'm a neurosurgery candidate, going under the knife in 2 days. Last month I was a healthy 24 year old female athlete. Today, signed a DNR, just in case I come out as a vegetable. Today, I had to make a living will. Is it really my time? In 48 hours I’ll find out. MMT

Today, I found a wallet on the street. It was packed with credit cards and $300 in cash. I took out the drivers license, put the guy's address into my GPS, and drove it to him, cash and all. He couldn't believe it. "You saved me so much grief!" he exclaimed as he handed me $300 in cash. MMT

Today, my water broke at my husband's funeral. MMT

Today, I ran into a guy I used to tease and pick on in high school. I ran into him at a job interview. He was the interviewer. MMT

Today, I took a wrong turn on my way home. I ended up on a beautiful country road lined with wild flowers and lush foliage, so I decided to drive a little further. After a mile, I came up on a local bakery and went in for a taste. I met a great guy there. We have a dinner date tomorrow at 7PM. MMT

Today, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he passed away in a small hospital bed. About 5 seconds after he passed, I realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy. MMT

Today, I went ice skating. Everyone skating was young, except one guy in his mid-50’s. He kept falling down and smiling. And all the kids kept laughing along with him. I asked him why he decided to skate today. He said, "I was at work earlier and realized I had never been ice skating. So here I am." MMT

Today, I was sitting on my front porch watching the neighbor's kid have the time of his life with nothing more than a wooden stick and his imagination. MMT

Today, my best friend confided in me that he's having trouble playing a depressed character because he has no emotional tie to the role. He's overweight, not very good looking, 17 and never been kissed, and a total theater and science nerd. But he loves who he is, and he's happy. MMT

Today, I celebrated my 16th birthday. I was born HIV positive and nobody thought I would make it. MMT

Today, I passed two homeless men in a shouting match in my hometown of Baltimore. I thought it was just a crazy homeless person argument until I heard one say to the other, "Stop disrespecting my city! Pick-up your bottle and throw it in the trash!" He was berating the other man for littering! MMT

Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn’t recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, “On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.” MMT

Today, I was on a public transit bus when a Catholic nun boarded the bus and sat right next to a Muslim. I listened to them speak peacefully about their own God and beliefs for nearly 30 minutes until I reached my stop. MMT

Today, I saw a homeless woman on a street corner holding a cardboard sign. I recognized her. Her name is Kate. She used to sit next to me in my high school AP English class. MMT

Today, I married the man of my dreams. I left for college at 18 and looked for him there. Nothing. I moved to a new city and looked for him there. Nothing. Then last fall I returned home for Thanksgiving. My brother's best friend, whom I grew up with, joined us for dinner. And I found him. MMT

Today in the McDonalds line, a mother and her young son ordered their food. The boy then said, "And I want ice-cream!" She scolded him and said, "You need to eat real food! No ice-cream until you eat your Big Mac!" MMT

Today marks a year since my wife passed away. But I still find her hair on my sweaters and blankets sometimes. MMT

Today, a friend of mine was complaining about his mother embarrassing him in front of a large group of people by telling him how much she loved him. My mother died when I was 2. I would give anything to hear those words from my mother’s lips just once. MMT

Today, my wife kissed me goodbye, got in her car, crashed, and passed away. When the coroner called me at 9AM, I broke into tears and ran into the restroom at work to wash off my face. When I looked in the mirror, I noticed that my wife’s lipstick was still on my cheek. MMT

Today, I was in a public bathroom with my friend. I was complaining about how frizzy my hair looked. The little girl who had been washing her hands next to me lifted up her wig and said, "It could be worse. You could have none at all." MMT

Today, I learned that not everything people say behind your back is bad. Actually, some of the nicest things that have ever been said about me were never mentioned to me directly. MMT

Today, after 10 years, my husband suddenly quit smoking cigarettes. When I asked him why he decided to quit, he said, "I want to grow old with you." MMT

Today, a complete stranger on a busy city street tapped me on the shoulder and asked, "What if you were never born? Would the world be any different?" MMT

Today, I woke up naked in his bed. I met him last night at a party. I can’t remember the end of the evening. But I remember saying “no.” MMT

Today, a friend told me, "It's easier to be lazy then to be happy." MMT

Today, as I was quietly packing my lunch for work, my husband danced into the kitchen singing a made-up song consisting of only my name over and over. When he saw me, he blushed and said, "Oh, you're still here!" Sneaking a peak into the daily routine of someone who truly loves me makes me smile and MMT.

Today I got on a bus with my grandfather. It was full with only one seat left. I told my grandfather to take it, which he refused to do, insisting I take it. After a bit I gave in and took the seat. In jest, I said "Your legs are older than mine!" "Yes," he said, "But yours have further to go." MMT

Today, I saw the cutest guy at the airport. Assuming we'd never meet again, I went over and told him how cute I thought he was. He teared up and told me he was headed home from an eating disorder clinic and "had never felt uglier." We're both from Miami, and we're meeting up this coming Saturday. MMT

Today, unaware that we were about to tell him that he had been diagnosed with leukemia, my little brother walked in on me and my parents crying at the kitchen table and jokingly said, "Whoa, who's dying?" MMT

Today, on the one year anniversary of my boyfriend’s death, I decided it was time to clear his clothes out of our closet. In one of his coat pockets I found a diamond engagement ring and concert tickets to my favorite band dated the Saturday after he passed. MMT

Today, I was talking to my 13 year old little brother about the recent divorce my parents went through. I asked him if it made him sad that they didn't love each other anymore. To which he responded, "I think maybe they just love each other more when they're apart." MMT

Today, a homeless man came into the coffee shop I work at and dumped his whole cup of change into our tip jar. He said, "You guys always give me your change when you leave for the night, so I wanted to return the favor for once." MMT

Today, when I looked around a busy restaurant at people eating their lunch, the only people I saw smiling were children. MMT

Today, I walked past a coworker's cubicle who always updates her whiteboard with how many days are left until her family member returns from fighting the war overseas. Yesterday it was down to 8 days. Today it simply says, "next year." MMT

Today while I was driving in my car, another driver two cars in front of me tossed litter out the window. Suddenly, a motorcycle in front of me pulled over near the litter as I passed. When we stopped at the next red light, the motorcycle pulled up to the car that littered and handed the driver his trash back. MMT

Today, my friend told me she didn't mind being legally blind, with only 12% of her vision. She said, "After it rains there's usually a dew left on the grass. And because of the way my eyes refract the light, I see rainbows in the grass." MMT

Today, I was driving down the freeway with my best friend. He noticed that I wasn't wearing my seat belt and asked me to put it on. So I did. About 30 minutes later we hit a huge puddle and hydroplaned into a guard rail. We both walked away unharmed because we were wearing our seat belts. MMT

Today, I am officially sober for 1 year. I have been an alcoholic for 10 years. Now I know we really can do anything we set our minds to. MMT

Today, I walked into a small coffee shop in downtown Dallas around lunchtime and politely asked, "May I please have a Venti Soy Latte?" The guy behind the counter smiled and prepared my latte for me. As I pulled out my money, he said, "The latte is on me. You're the first person all day to say 'please.'" MMT

Today, after deciding to wear my comfy flannel shirt out to a bar while all my girlfriends got dressed up, I met a boy who told me "anything worn in confidence is beautiful." MMT

Today, I was driving my 4 year old daughter to her dance class. The law requires her to be seated in the backseat, but she begged me to sit in the front, so I let her. We hydroplaned into a guard rail and a metal rod went directly through the backseat where she sits. On any other day, she would have died. MMT

Today at Walmart, I saw a little kid begging his dad for change. His dad gave him four quarters. The kid then quickly walked past the gumball machines and placed each quarter, one at a time, into a donation jar that said, “Buy a starving child a meal this holiday season.” MMT

Today, after spending every waking minute with her for 8 straight days, I knew I had to tell her just 1 thing. So just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled and said, "When I'm 75 and I think about what it was like to be young, I hope I can remember this very moment." MMT

Today, Sean asked me to marry him. I said yes! Exactly 1 year ago today, I was walking to my car when a man ran up behind me and stole my purse. I called 911. Sean was the cop that responded to my call. If that jackass never stole my purse, I would have never met the love of my life. MMT

Today, when she woke up from an eleven month coma, she kissed me and said, “Thank you for being here, and telling me those beautiful stories, and never giving up on me... And yes, I will marry you.” MMT

Today, I got lost in Manhattan. As I stood on the sidewalk trying to get someone’s attention for a little assistance, 25+ well dressed business folks blazed by me, purposely avoiding eye contact. Finally a teenager with spiked green hair and a pierced lip stopped, smiled and gave me perfect directions. MMT

Today, my car broke down and I didn’t have any cash on me for a cab. As I fumbled with my cell, trying to call a friend, a man walked up and handed me $20. He said, “Here’s some money for a cab.” I thanked him and asked for his address so I could pay him back. He said, “Just pay it forward.” MMT

Today, my mother died from lung cancer. But it was my father who smoked cigarettes in the house every day. MMT

Today, as I waited impatiently at a red light, the car in front of me was far behind the line so I honked and the driver thought I honked because the light turned green, so she let go of her brake and ran the red light... and got fatally slammed by a semi-truck. MMT

Today, my 8-year-old daughter came home from school and asked me to find her a website that would help her learn sign language. When I asked her why, she said, “There’s a new girl at school who only speaks sign language, and she doesn’t have anyone to talk to.” MMT

Today, my fiancé was in a head-on collision car accident. He is currently in a coma. And all I can think about is the argument we had this morning. I screamed at him for screaming at me. It was a petty argument. But if he could scream now, I wouldn’t say a word. I’d just listen to the sound of his voice. MMT

Today, I told my mother that I hated her for burdening me with all her marriage problems over the last several years. She cried and then told me she will have to burden me again because she was just diagnosed with colon cancer this morning. I’ve been crying ever since. MMT

Today, I was in my car approaching an intersection where a white Ford F-350 was blocking both lanes at a flashing yellow light. Just as I was about to honk and scream obscenities out the window, I realized the truck was purposely blocking traffic so an elderly man could safely cross the street. MMT

Today, as you were breaking up with me, all I could think about were those weekday mornings when you compared the Pop-Tarts and gave me the one with more frosting. MMT

Today, my best friend of 6 years was put in the hospital for attempting suicide. She's always listened to my stupid, petty problems and asked me how I was feeling. But I never ever asked her how she was feeling because she always seemed so happy. MMT

Today, I had to go to a funeral for a 26 year old coworker of mine who had a stroke at work this week and was pronounced dead at the scene. He and his widow just got married last year, just bought a house last month, and just had a beautiful baby boy last week. And then just like that… he was gone. MMT

Today, after being anorexic for nearly 4 years, I went to the bookstore to look for a book on recovery. Instead all I saw were bookshelves stocked with hundreds of weight loss books, so I skipped dinner instead. MMT

Today, I dropped to my knees and nearly vomited when I read her suicide note and realized it blamed me. MMT

Today at 5AM, I asked an elderly man in the city where the nearest train stop was. He walked me to it and then waited next to me for 15 minutes. When the train finally arrived, he smiled and said, "Be safe out there, miss." and then walked away without boarding the train. MMT

Today, my son got back from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Tonight, he committed suicide. MMT

Today, I was downtown when I saw a homeless man ask a businesswoman to pick up a candy wrapper that she had purposely dropped. Confused, the businesswoman asked, "Why do you care? Aren’t you homeless?" The man smiled and replied, "I'm not homeless. This beautiful world is my home." MMT

Today, I felt hopeless and alone as I was driving home after a brutal breakup with my boyfriend. I turned on the radio and the MJ song "You Are Not Alone" was playing. At the exact moment the chorus came on, I passed a huge billboard sign that said in big black letters, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" MMT

Today, our office janitor was promoted to executive assistant. The CEO’s rational: “Any man that can maintain his level of positivity while cleaning up after us all day every day is a man I need around me more often. I’m confident I can teach him the rest.” MMT

Today, I watched my beautiful little girl running though sprinklers in the backyard. As she laughed and screamed I thought that nothing in the world could make me happier. Six years ago I seriously considered having an abortion. MMT

Today, I make more money serving alcohol to drunks than my brother does teaching high school math and science skills to our youth. MMT

Today, I gave a turkey sandwich to homeless man who always sleeps on a bus stop bench near my restaurant. He thanked me and then immediately tore the sandwich in half, walked across the street, and handed the other half to another homeless man. MMT

Today, I heard another Michael Jackson song on the radio. For the last 15 years up until the day he died, it seemed like everyone thought he was a freak. Now, all I hear are MJ songs on the radio and people calling him a musical genius. It's like the world forgot what they had until it was gone. MMT

Today, my wife and I acted like kids. We ate cotton candy at a carnival, climbed an oak tree in a nearby park and then carved our initials into the tree's trunk. On our walk home it started raining. So we splashed around in the puddles and performed rain-dances as we walked. It was a blast! MMT

Today, at 3:40PM in my San Diego home, I put a gun to my head. Just as I pulled the trigger the ground began violently shaking from an earthquake. I lost my balance, the gun went off, but the bullet missed my body entirely. Tonight, I threw the gun in the ocean. MMT

Today, one of my 11th grade students committed suicide. He always seemed so happy. I've spent the entire evening in bed, simply staring at the ceiling and wondering how I missed the signs. MMT

Today, I tucked my fiancé into bed. And as she fell asleep I started to sing a lullaby my grandmother used to sing to me. It was the first time I had ever sung it to anyone. After a moment, she looked up at me smiling, with tears in her eyes. Her grandmother used to sing the same exact lullaby to her. MMT

Today, my aunt reminded me that I don't have a 12 year old and a 10 year old daughter. I'm 17 and I’ve spent the last 3 years raising my baby sisters while my mom spent most of her time passed out drunk. Now my aunt has custody, but I'm not sure how to be a kid again. MMT

Today, I was talking to my grandmother about love. I asked her, "How do you know when you truly love someone?" She paused for a moment and replied, "When you lose them." MMT

Today my boyfriend's dog ran away and ended up at my house. But he's never brought him to my house before, and I live 5 miles away. MMT

Today, a firefighter who I call 'my hero' for saving the lives of my entire family last month when he pulled us from a burning building, plead guilty in court to 1st degree murder. MMT

Today, and every weekday at 9AM for the last 4 years, I have walked past the same 3 street bums on my way to work. One of them is always strumming a guitar and the other 2 are always singing. And they all have huge smiles on their faces. Sometimes their smiles are the only smiles I see all day. MMT

Today my best friend’s mother, who’s been a pro life activist for as long as I can remember, had an abortion. She’s 52 years old and her doctors told her the pregnancy may cost her her life. MMT

Today, I received an envelope in the mail stuffed with $600 in cash and a note that said, “Last week I bought a box of old records at your garage sale for $5. You told me your husband recently passed and that you were trying to start fresh. I sold those records on eBay for $1200 and I figured you deserved half.” MMT

Today, my best friend said to me, "I'm worried about my roommate drinking and driving. I’ve asked her to stop, but she keeps doing it. She's going to hurt herself and someone else someday." This evening, my best friend was hit by a drunk driver a block from her house. The driver was her roommate. MMT

Today, I exchanged black eyes with a bully at school after I told him to “Piss off!” when he and his obnoxious friends started picking on a freshman with autistic disabilities. And despite getting a week of afternoon detention and an earful from my mother, I would do it again in a heartbeat. MMT

Today, I was a crying at a park over an argument I had with a friend. As I was leaving, a little girl ran up to me. Grinning widely, she said, "You looked sad so my mom said I should give you these." Then she pulled out hand-picked flowers from behind her back and gave me a hug. MMT

Today, I watched three young children meet for the first time on a playground in a local park. They all immediately acted like best friends, playing and laughing hysterically. They made me smile, and then I began to wonder why adults lack the ability to accept each other so easily. MMT

Today, I was talking with a close friend about how my dad is an alcoholic and shows up to my concerts drunk and how it irritates me. My friend’s response, "Yes, your dad needs some help. But my dad is totally sober, and has still never once gone to any of my soccer games." MMT

Today, my 4 year old boy asked me to play toy dinosaurs with him, he looked shocked when I said "yes." It made me realize that he's come to expect a "no" from me. MMT

Today, the homeless man who used to sleep near my condo showed up at my door wearing the business suit I gave him nearly 10 years ago. He said, “I have a home, a job, and a family now. 10 years ago I wore this business suit to all my job interviews. Thank you.” MMT

Today, I was doing laundry in my dorm and someone's clothes were done but still sitting in the washer. I was in a hurry, so I moved them into the dryer and paid for them. When I came back an hour later to move my clothes into the dryer, someone had already put my clothes in the dryer and paid. MMT

Today, my college roommate died from a brain aneurysm while he was sitting in his computer chair. After I returned from the hospital, I walked across the dorm room and noticed that his web browser was open to the makesmethink.com ‘Submit your story’ form. He never finished writing his story. MMT

Today, we were all so caught up in the morning rush that I forgot to kiss my dad goodbye before he left for work for the very last time. MMT

Today, at the food court in the mall, a beautiful girl about my age came up to me and hugged me with tears in her eyes. Once she calmed down, I realized that I had pulled her out of a bathtub a month earlier, her wrists covered in slashes. I am an EMT, and her gesture of appreciation MMT.

Today, it really sucked that my only true friend out of the 100+ people in the room, was the one lying in the casket. MMT

Today, one of my high school classmates committed suicide. Yesterday he told me he was going to do it. But I just thought he was joking. MMT

Today, I went to my 10 year high school reunion. Our prom king is now an overweight bartender. Our prom queen is a recent divorcee with 3 kids. I used to idolize these people. Now I just feel sorry for them. MMT

Today, on my 22nd birthday, I got into the worst argument I’ve ever had with my parents. And just before I ran out their front door crying, my mother shouted, “We do believe in equality! We just don’t want you dating a black man!” MMT

Today, as I sat at my father’s wake, I realized that the only reason I showed up today was to visually confirm that the man who physically abused my mother for 20 years was finally dead. MMT

Today, at the age of 22, I found out that because of cervical complications I'll never be able to have children. For as long as I can remember, I didn't ever want kids. But now I cry every time I see a diaper commercial because I never knew I wouldn't have a choice. MMT

Today, as I drove home from her apartment for the last time, I skipped through 64 songs in a row on my iPod before I found a song that didn't remind me of her. MMT

Today, I stuck my hand into my coat pocket and found a 5 dollar bill wrapped around a note. The note read, "You have just been reverse-pick-pocketed. Enjoy the 5 dollars, and know that it was forcibly received by your pocket. Take that, society!" MMT

Today, my son and I were in a car accident. I came out of it with just a cut over my eye, but my son fell into a coma. The doctor said if he doesn't wake up soon his chances of a full recovery greatly decreases. An hour ago he opened his eyes and said a word I thought I’d never hear again, "Mommy." MMT

Today, a lady walked up to me in the gym and asked me to give her some workout pointers. She said, "You look incredible! Watching you gradually tone-up and progress in here has become my primary inspiration to get in shape." It made me smile because I've struggled with my weight since I was 15. MMT

Today, I could have saved her life when she called to tell me she needed to talk. But I told her I was busy and needed to call her back later. I didn’t realize there wouldn’t be a later. MMT

Today, my best friend from the time I was 4 – the only boy I have ever loved (I’m now 17) – died in a car accident. I always wanted to tell him how I felt – that I thought of him as more than a friend – but I never worked up enough courage to because I didn’t want it to change things between us. MMT

Today, I came to the realization that I waste 75% of my life on the Internet. Then, 5 minutes later, I caught myself publishing this insight on my blog. MMT

Today, I found out that I could become paralyzed at any moment in time due to a bad cyst on my spine. I went to work and listened to everyone bitch about bills, bosses, and family problems. When I got home, I kissed my boyfriend, hugged my friends, and appreciated the movement in my body. MMT

Today I am in London taking a semester of classes abroad. My twin brother is in the Marines serving his first tour of duty in Iraq. This evening we were both outside talking to each other on the phone. And just when I said, “You feel like a world away,” we both saw the same shooting star. MMT

Today, my dad was the only person who offered to help me move into my new college dorm room. He had a stroke a few years ago and can barely move the right side of his body. MMT

Today she passed away. Yesterday she crashed her car. The day before yesterday we booked our wedding venue. MMT

Today, for the first time in 5 years, my dad finally decided that having a gay daughter was better than having no daughter at all. MMT

Today, my neighbor's house burned to the ground. I told him that I couldn't even begin to imagine what it would be like to have my whole life burn to the ground. He looked at me, smiled and said, "My life didn’t burn to the ground. If it did, I wouldn’t be standing here." MMT

Today, at the age of 16, I found out that I am the only person out of all my friends that is still a virgin. MMT

Today, I met an amazing guy at a local diner during the breakfast rush. He was sincere and handsome. We agreed to meet back at the diner for lunch, but he never showed up. I found out this evening from a mutual friend that he was in a fatal car accident on his lunch break two blocks away from the diner. MMT

Today, I realized that some of the most interesting and insightful people in my life are the ones who made me think, "What a weirdo…" when I first met them. MMT

Today I took my daughter to the park and a woman warned me that there was a "bum" sleeping on a picnic table by the swings. I stayed away. Shortly after, 2 teenage boys came by and the woman offered the same warning. One of the boys said, "Oh, that's Elmer. I know him. He's homeless. He's my friend." MMT

Today, I dressed up as Santa Claus for a Santa Claus themed pub crawl in Chicago. All the kids we passed on the street loved the costumes. A little girl came up to me at one point and said, “Santa, do you grant wishes?” I said, “Yes.” She grinned and said, “I wish I didn’t have AIDS anymore.” MMT

Today, my daughter confronted me with the fact that my biggest fear, a fear that has held me back from many life experiences, has never come true. I am 76 years old. MMT

Today, like every Sunday morning, my husband brought a bouquet of flowers to his mother. She has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t even realize he does this each week. But he does it anyway. MMT

Today, I realized it wasn't the sex that proved to me she was special. It was the first time she slept with me without having sex that I knew she would be the one. MMT

Today, you would have been twenty, but I didn't listen to you ten years ago when you told me you were depressed. I didn't think someone your age could be depressed. But you proved me wrong and now you're gone. Your death always MMT.

Today, if I hadn’t distracted you by sending you those flirtatious text messages, would you have seen the oncoming truck that crossed over the double solid lines into your lane? I fear the answer might be yes. RIP. MMT

Today, my company employs 130 intelligent individuals and turns a net profit of nearly $500K a year. I started this company 10 years ago after I was laid off by IBM. If they hadn't laid me off, I might still be working in a cubicle at IBM today. MMT

Today, the supposed 'failure' in my high school showed me his artwork. He's in AP Art II and has created the most amazing artwork I've ever seen. If he hadn't showed me, I would've kept thinking he wasn't going to do anything in life. Maybe grades aren't a fair measure of success. MMT

Today, my wife is self-conscious because she's a bit overweight after bearing our two children. But I still can't stop myself from tearing her clothes off. MMT

Today, as I read my brother's suicide note, chills ran down my spine because I was horrified by the fact that I could relate to everything he wrote. MMT

Today, one of my best friends in high school killed himself after the only girl he ever asked out turned him down because she didn't think of him like that. Which is a shame, because now that I’ve had more time to think about it, he would have made the best boyfriend I could ever ask for. MMT

Today, after feeling suicidal because I saw him with another woman, I found myself on the freeway in the dark, speeding, crying, hoping I would wreck. A minute later, a deer bolted out in front of me. I hit the breaks so hard I nearly rolled the car. And I sat there in silence, thankful to be alive. MMT

Today in Spanish class, my teacher asked everyone to take turns telling the class why they've chosen to learn Spanish. The 16 year old pregnant girl that sits in front of me seriously said, "My baby is half Mexican, and I want to be able to understand it when it's born." MMT

Today, I met a powerful businessman who is worth 100 million dollars. In conversation he told me he regretted never making it to his son’s hockey games or his daughter’s dance recitals. It made me smile because my dad is probably only worth as much as this man’s last paycheck, but he made it to everything. MMT

Today, I met a five-year-old on the summit of a 14,000 foot hike. MMT

Today, I am a 27 year old mom to 3 beautiful children. Everyone told me I was too young to have kids at 22. But what they didn’t anticipate is that at age 26 I would be diagnosed with Fallopian Tube Cancer, requiring a full hysterectomy. Now when people say I look too young to have 3 kids, I feel blessed! MMT

Today, on the 4th anniversary of my brother's death, I still feel guilty. I was the party animal, he was the good kid. The one time he took my advice to "just let go and have fun," it ended his life. MMT

Today, my neighbor told me that I saved his life. But I did not rescue him from a burning building, or push him out of the way of a moving vehicle, or take a bullet for him. I just listened to him. MMT

Today, I was in a really bad mood when a young girl came into my office sporting the most genuine smile I'd seen in a long while. She was bound to a wheelchair because she had no legs. MMT

Today, I slipped on ice and sprained my ankle on my walk home from work. A young man in a wheelchair witnessed the incident and insisted on helping me. I ended up sitting on his lap as he wheeled me 8 blocks down the street to my apartment. MMT

Today, just as I was about to pull the trigger, my baby sister called me in a panic to tell me that she was involved in a bad car accident and needed my help. She saved my life and she doesn’t even know it. MMT

Today I found my dog dead on the side of the road. As I stood there sobbing, a lady stopped, got out of her car and gave me a big hug. She said that she'd been there before and knew how I felt. In one of the saddest moments of my life, I experienced the most random act of kindness. MMT

Today, I sat glued to my computer for 2 hours while I talked to my lovely girlfriend who’s attending a semester abroad. We’re both deaf, but because of the modern technology, we can use a webcam to communicate everyday even though we’re 6000 miles apart. 15 years ago, kids just like us weren’t so lucky. MMT

Today my good friend, a paraplegic with cerebral palsy, informed me that he wanted to ask a very beautiful girl to home coming. I thought he was crazy. But she said yes. MMT

Today, I was jogging in Central Park when this lady started screaming for help. Her husband was having a heart attack. I ran over and checked his pulse. He didn't have one. I gave him CPR and got his heart beating before the paramedics arrived. I've done some bad things in my life, but today I saved a life. MMT

Today at the airport I saw a father and two sons holding a sign that said, “WELCOME BACK FROM IRAQ MOM!” A minute later the mom walked into the terminal wearing her Army uniform and gave her family the biggest hug I’ve ever seen. Everyone in the terminal started clapping. MMT

Today, I told my mom that I feel like I'm failng with my alcoholism counseling and that I want to quit. Then she said my 8 year old brother told her, "I really like the new Elliot so much better." MMT

Today, I was at a Cubs game and heard commotion in the outfield. I then noticed that the outfielder had thrown a ball up to a fully dressed Marine in the stands. No one else went for the ball; instead they gave the Marine a standing ovation. It was one of the most touching things I have seen. MMT

Today, I had a conversation with my grandfather about relationships. I told him I've always wondered how people stay attracted to their spouses for decades when their looks change so drastically. He smiled and replied, "Change? I still wake up next to the same beautiful woman I fell in love with 50 years ago." MMT

Today, I left her a voicemail I know she’ll never receive. But I just had to hear her voice one last time. MMT

Today, a blind stranger told me he could hear the song in my smile. MMT

Today, my father gave one slice of pizza to our poor gardener's son - a 6-year-old boy. He wrapped the slice of pizza in a napkin and set it aside. When my father asked him why he wasn’t eating it now, he said, "I’m going to take it home and share it with my mother and sister." MMT

Today, I teased my 27-year-old cousin when I realized that he was afraid of fireworks... But only until I found out that it's not the fireworks themselves, but the sounds they make that remind him of the gunshots he heard overseas. MMT

Today, all my 3-year-old daughter said after I informed her that daddy had died was, "Can I have a cup of juice?" MMT

Today, on the day you passed away, I asked for a sign that you know how much I love you and that your spirit is ok wherever you are. As I was sewing tonight, I clipped 4 threads from a seam and they fell into the shape of your initials. MMT

Today, I got a phone call from my grandfather. He's been in a coma for almost a year. Last week the doctors told my family he may never wake up. MMT

Today, I got my acceptance and full scholarship to MIT. Now my single mother can use the money she's been saving for the past eighteen years from working four jobs to give herself the better life she deserves. MMT

Today, as I grasped my mother’s lifeless hand, and cried, I realized I never really hated her after all. MMT

Today, while riding my bike down the street, I passed two women walking on the sidewalk. One had a full grown Yorkie, the other had a toddler. The toddler was on a leash and the Yorkie was being carried. MMT

Today, a man pulled up to the drive thru window and insisted on paying for the woman’s meal behind him. When I asked him why, he said, “I can see her in my review mirror and she’s crying. If I can put even the slightest smile on her face for a split second, I consider it money well spent.” MMT

Today is my best friend’s 21st birthday. But I won't be celebrating it with him because he died 3 months ago while driving drunk. MMT

Today, nearly 5 years after my husband’s death, a cheerful couple and their 3 kids knocked on my front door. The man smiled and said, “Your husband was my heart donor. He saved my life. Not a single day has gone by that I don’t pray for him and think of you. Thank you!” MMT

Today, I met someone who is making $30,000 a month selling drugs. I make less than that in a year at my legal job. MMT

Today, on my 18th birthday, my father – who’s a man’s man - was joking around with me and asked me when I was going to get myself a girlfriend. After an awkward moment of silence, I informed him that I was gay. He stared at me for a sec, smiled and said, “Oh… Well do you have a boyfriend? I’d love to meet him.” MMT

Today, I found out for the first time that despite constant complaints about being broke, and using what little money he gets from odd construction jobs to pay the rent, my father has been depositing $100 every month into my college fund since I was born. MMT

Today, I returned 2 library books that were 3 months overdue. The librarian looked extremely nervous as she informed me of my $34 late fee. When I smiled and handed her the $34, she said, "Oh, thanks for being so nice about it. Most people scream at me when I inform them of their late fees." MMT

Today, the world lost a great person to suicide simply because two ‘good Christian’ parents refused to accept their child for who he really was. MMT

Today, I won the $500 grand prize in my high school’s annual writing contest for a short story I wrote out of boredom while I was waiting in detention for skipping my sophomore English class. MMT

Today is my birthday. I always used to wake up on my birthday to a giant "Happy Birthday" banner from my dad strung across the kitchen ceiling. It’s been 8 years since 9/11 and 8 years since I've seen a banner. MMT

Today at 7AM, I pulled over on my way to work to help a lady change a flat tire. At 4PM, she saved my life when she randomly saw me downtown and yanked me backwards out of a crosswalk as a car ran the red light. MMT

Today, all of the salesmen were complaining about how corporate needs to advertise more to bring more customers onto the lot. A few minutes later, an old man with dirty work pants and sandals walked onto the lot. Nobody else wanted to help him, so I introduced myself. He bought a truck from me in cash. MMT

Today, the cashier at the local liquor store said he was worried about me because he had not seen me the day before. MMT

Today, I was at the beach watching a little girl chase her father's remote controlled car around in circles. She kept jumping forward and falling on her knees in an effort to catch the car as it skidded by. She did this 31 times and failed. But on attempt #32, she caught the car. MMT

Today, when I woke up, you were the first person I talked to. Then again tonight, just after supper, you were the last. And I don’t know if there is a heaven. But I miss you and I hope you can hear me. MMT

Today, I checked my account balance and realized I had been fined $40 by my bank for a $2 overdraft when I bought a coffee on the way to work. "I couldn’t be any more broke!" I cried aloud as I walked outside to get some air. Just then a skinny homeless man limped out from a nearby alleyway. MMT

Today, my baby sister kissed the scar on my forehead – the one I’ve been self-conscious of my whole life – and said, “I want a scar too, so I can be beautiful just like you.” MMT

Today, I went and visited my grandmother and grandfather. My grandmother used to talk down on Hispanic women saying a lot of negative things about them. Now, as she is unable to speak and bound to a wheelchair due to a stroke, a wonderful Hispanic women stays by her side 24/7 to take care of her. MMT

Today, I married the computer nerd I used to pick on in high school. He's the love of my life. MMT

Today, for some reason the register at my local supermarket would not let my check go through. When I asked to see the manager, the cashier came to my side of the counter and swiped her own credit card. She said, "Honey, I see you in here all the time. Pay me back when you get the chance. I trust you." MMT

Today, I returned home after being stationed in Iraq for 10 months and held my 1 month old son for the very first time. MMT

Today, on my birthday, I received an envelope in the mail containing my wallet that I lost last week. All of my money and credit cards were still inside, and on my driver's license next to my address and birthday was a post-it note that said, "Happy Birthday!" There was no return address. MMT

Today at 3PM my wife checked herself into an alcoholic rehab clinic all by herself after our son showed her bruise marks and belt lash welts on his backside that she couldn’t even recall giving him. I don’t even know how I feel right now, angry at her or proud. My head is spinning, and it all MMT.

Today, I was talking to my 10 year old next door neighbor. Then I asked her about something she told me yesterday. She looked shocked, smiled, and asked, "You were listening?" I remembered then that her parents are divorced, and her mother never seems to be around. MMT

Today I told my little brother to be careful. "The higher you climb, the farther you will fall," I said. He smiled and replied, "No. The higher the fall, the higher the bounce." MMT

Today my father was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. This morning, like almost every morning, he gave me a piggyback ride. If I had known it would be the last, I would have asked him to carry me much farther. MMT

Today, I was walking to work when a homeless man walked up to me and asked for money. When I told him I didn't have any cash he began screaming, "Enjoy your lunch today! I'm starving and I get to eat out of a trash can!" Just when I was starting to feel bad for him, his cell phone rang. MMT

Today, I saw a blind tourist at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.. Another tourist walked over to the blind man and said, "Do you want to know what it looks like?" and then explained to him in vivid detail exactly what the memorial looks like. MMT

Today, as I baked my own birthday cake for my 16th birthday, I realized just how much I miss my mom. MMT

Today, I was looking out my window to the street down below. A teenage boy was walking by when suddenly my neighbor's recycle bin blew over in the wind. In an empty street, with no one to impress, that boy stopped and chased down flying newspapers until they were all back in the bin. MMT

Today, after being insulted by a guy I work with, I walked out of the office with a heavy heart only to find a note card on my car’s windshield. It was from my ex-boyfriend of 2 years who is simply my best friend now. It said, "Would it be okay if I sorta had a little crush on you forever?" MMT

Today, I held the love of my life while she sobbed. She was sobbing over the death of her husband - the love of HER life. MMT

Today, the evening news report forgot to mention that I was driving home from work five miles an hour below the posted speed limit and that he was an intoxicated drug addict with suicidal tendencies who deliberately jumped out in front of my vehicle. MMT

Today, I was all dressed up and waiting on my blind date to arrive. He never showed up. It made me feel ugly. I thought he may have seen me from a distance and bailed. Then as I left the restaurant alone, I heard a little girl ask her mom if I was a princess. It made me smile and it MMT.

Today I volunteered at marathon that raises money for cancer. It was raining and cold and I just wanted to leave. Two seconds later, a lady with no hair and an oxygen mask got out of her wheelchair to walk the last steps of the race. MMT

Today, even though I’m happily married, I caught myself thinking about him again - wondering what my life would be like if he had made it back from Afghanistan. MMT

Today, the local newspaper called me a hero for rescuing her from her fire engulfed apartment. But it failed to mention that I could hear her one-year-old crying in the other room and I was just too scared to help him. MMT

Today, at the doctor’s office where I work, a Latino woman filled out the forms for her son’s medical exam. In the 'Ethnicity' section, she marked 'Other' and wrote in 'American.' MMT

Today, the biggest nerd in my 1997 high school graduation class, who is now a heart surgeon, saved my father’s life after my father had a heart attack. MMT

Today, I skipped school to visit my grandfather in the hospital. He is battling cancer. My mom warned me that he may not recognize me due to his medication. When I walked in to say hi, his blue eyes lit up as a he said, "BB!" That’s what he used to call me when I was a little kid. MMT

Today, simply because I was in the right place at the right time, I saved a little boy from drowning in the ocean. MMT

Today, a complete stranger outside a local coffee shop was holding a sign that said, "Free Hugs." I hesitated at first, but then I decided to give her a hug. Truthfully, it felt great! MMT

Today, I saw a beautiful girl sitting at the library reading. Her beauty was majestic... I caught myself staring at her on multiple occasions. And it wasn't until she gathered her belongings to leave that I realized she was sitting in a wheelchair. MMT

Today, I received a package in the mail containing a lost journal I'd misplaced last week. There was no return address, only a post-it note stuck on the front cover saying, "I hope to be as strong as you someday." MMT

Today, after watching my daughter ride her bike without training wheels for the first time, I decided to quit smoking. I don't ever want to miss one of those moments. MMT

Today, on my daughter’s 18th birthday, she enlisted in the Army. When she was younger I used to tell her that her smile could stop wars, but I never thought she’d attempt to test my theory. MMT

Today marks my 10th anniversary as a human trafficking officer. I’ve spent the last decade of my life saving women and children from slavery. And what continues to bother me the most isn’t the abundant supply of ‘people for sale’ in this world, it’s the overwhelming DEMAND for these people. MMT