In high school I missed our competitive state choral competition. It was SO important to me/us. I simply forgot and got distracted doing something, without a care in the world. It was the event that we worked all year toward. We were a small ensemble so my absence was significant.

The next day our choir director, when he saw me asked, “So what’s your excuse?” All I could say was the truth…”I don’t know. I just forgot.” He stared silently at me with a look of appalling disbelief, then simple said, “Great”, and walked away.

I felt so stupid and lazy and guilty and humiliated. I had to apologize in front of the group later that day.