Apology Accepted

President's Day. Sadly, President's Day for me included only 3.5 seconds and a mere 1 trillion neurons devoted to thinking about and/or appreciating the individuals who helped shape the history and future of The United States of America.

Which leads me to my topic: Apologies.



OneRepublic is one of my favorite bands. I only have -6 (negative 6) favorite bands, so that's saying something. Wasn't that visually beautiful? And do you agree that all that destruction was fun? (If you just skipped the video and read this line, you should quit cheating and go watch the video Now. And apologize to everyone for cheating. That's right, go to the MASAP group on Facebook and post on the wall, "I apologize for cheating by skipping OneRepublic's 'Apologize' video and hereby swear to never cheat again. I'm sorry. Love, [your name here]")

Let me tell you a story about my life. I sat next to Josh Smith in my 7th grade band class at Mile High Middle School. He had just gotten a brand new trumpet. It was silver and polished and beautiful. In the course of band class one day, the bell of my trumpet struck the bell of his, leaving a dent. I'm not sure whether our teacher Mr. Lawhead heard it or saw it happen, but he verbally reprimanded me, "Travis!" The shock of knowing I'd visibly degraded the new instrument combined with immediate and forceful disapproval from my instructor left me speechless and I responded completely inappropriately with a very embarrassed and wry smile. I had not the ability to express my sorrow for the unfortunate accident.
To this day, I don't believe I ever apologized. I regret that. Though I may love OneRepublic, I must disagree with the premise of their song. It is never too late to apologize.

Have no fear, Josh and I are still great friends. I just received a wedding invitation from him. Congratulations on your engagement Josh! Hopefully I don't hit your wife with my trumpet.

Injustice. Tyranny. Oppression. Taxation without representation.

One time, in response to those conditions (and worse), a group of men got together and signed a document called the Declaration of Independence. If you translate it into modern-day English, it reads, "King George III, It's Too Late to Apologize." Thank goodness that OneRepublic was around to inspire those men. If it hadn't been for this dedicated band, The United States of America might have never had the courage to tell King George:
You had me at Hello.
You hurt me at Goodbye.
You lost me the day you didn't look back.

We truly are fortunate to have had incredible men and women who have laid the foundation of our society, who sacrificed not only for themselves but for us. Let's take a moment to think about it.

Let's also take three minutes and 22 seconds to watch it.


I've always been amazed by the Founding Fathers, but now I think they're AWESOME!

My challenge to you: Think of someone that you should apologize to. Apologize to them. Make a phone call, visit a friend or family member, send an email. But set a wrong right. Then send me a message on Facebook and tell me how it went. I'd love to hear your stories, and I'll keep them private unless you expressly allow me to share them next time.
I know that as we apologize, this world will be a better, more lovely place.

-Travis Moore, Human Shadow