I believe it is certainly the case that when one says, “I apologize,” he or she may also say, “I’m sorry.” I apologize for running over your cat. I’m sorry that I ran over your cat. The phrase “I’m sorry” can be used when the utterer is sorry for something that he or she has done, then.

“I’m sorry” can also be used, though, in cases where the utterer feels bad about something that happened, even if it may not be the utterer’s doing or fault. However, the phrase “I apologize” cannot be used this way. I’m sorry that your apple pie didn’t win a blue ribbon at the state fair. Now, it could be that the utterer does feel personal responsibility (e.g., maybe he sat on the pie while it was in the front seat of the car before it was taken over to the far) and thus would say, “I apologize that your pie didn’t win a blue ribbon at the state fair.” It’s likely, though, that it was not the utterer’s fault, nor the driver’s fault, but that it indeed was Aunt Ruth’s fault because she hopped into the front seat after having her hair appointment done, landing on top of the pie.

After my grandmother passed away recently, my father received a note that said, “I apologize for the death of your mother.”

As far as we know, the sender of the note had nothing to do with the cause of Grandma’s passing. “I apologize”?

No, not if it’s not your fault.

Having just returned from a series of book signings, including a stop in La Crescent, Minnesota at the public library and another stop across the river in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at Pearl Street Books, I must say that the folks in the Midwest sure know how to make a fella feel welcome. I had a great time, meeting folks, answering questions about the book, and soliciting ideas for future books. Thanks, all! You were most gracious and I had a wonderful time!

I was also a vendor at the Chicago / Schaumburg homeschool convention, and I met some wonderful people there.

I am thoroughly enjoying the book signing / reading / storytelling events, and I am willing to travel. As always, if you have a storytelling / book reading event you would like to happen, contact me at joel@joelschnoor.com and we can discuss logistics.