Please Be Kind, and Brush.

The day was off to a good start.

It was my day to feel useful - to do something with my life - I was going to help people. I felt alive with purpose.

Sure, I was running a bit late for volunteering, but I didn't mind. The sun was shining bright outside, and there was a soft breeze. When I arrived to my destination, I easily found a parking space, and walked briskly into the building. The coordinator greeted me with a smile as I walked in - she was happy to see me despite being 10 minutes late. It was always a pleasure to see her as well. You could tell she took care of herself: her hair was cut just so it fell right on shoulders, her glassed were set just right on her face - never requiring adjustment; and you could tell her two-piece suit was tailored to fit her small frame. Ms. Grett had her sh*t together. She guided me to the area where I would be working which just so happened to be a room with a window. Yes, this was going to be a good day...

...or was it?

As I began to get situated and logged on to the computer, Ms. Grett walked in with another volunteer who would be "shadowing" with me. He was a tall, skinny, guy with hair that would've been estranged to the sight of a comb. He had to be about 19 or 20 years of age. He wore a black shirt, black pants, and a black belt - all faded to different tones. I reminded myself I wasn't there to judge, but to help. I smiled and invited him in.

He sat down next to me, and opened his mouth...

"Hi..."

I parted my lips and began to breathe in the required air to give a response, but instead of fresh air I was choked my the lingering unpleasant odor that was coupled with this boy's exhaled carbon dioxide.

This changed my day.

Suddenly, I wanted to go home. I wanted fresh air. Would I seriously be in this room with that breath for the next 3 hours? He'll have questions, and I'll be reluctant to give answers. Why? Because I didn't want to be violated again. Breath like that is offensive. I felt harassed, and I didn't have to take it.

I discreetly felt my pant leg, desperately seeking the comfort of that rectangular box that contained my Orbit® gum. A feeling of anxiety came over me as I came to the realization of its absence - I had left it in the car.


This was going to be a long day.


Luckily the boy didn't have many questions, and whenever possible I responded by nodding or shaking my head. If I had to speak or breathe, I was able to sip [and inhale] my Vanilla Chai for relief. It was a long 3 hours, but I made it. [By the grace of God].

So what's the moral here? Don't put your peers through the same distress. Brush your teeth in the morning - before and after breakfast if you can. Which is the other key: EAT something in the morning. Otherwise, we're gonna smell the acid in your stomach - regardless if you brushed or not. This is also why chewing gum, alone, doesn't always work.

So please be kind, and brush. We'd all appreciate it. Thanks.


Class dismissed.