Winding Down

Today, the exam Asherel has spent the year studying so hard for will finally come. There will be other hard tests in her future I am sure, but persevering to get to this one is probably the most demanding task of her academic life thus far. And in mine, as a teacher. We are both heaving big sighs of relief, or will be at noon when it is over.

I had called my old senior friend Comer last week to see if they could go to lunch, but Evelyn was still not doing well. With all the test prep over here, I really was best stationed at home anyway. Asherel would describe my presence as hovering and demanding. I would describe it as teaching an impossible amount of material. Either way about it, time was running short and there were chapters to go before we sleep, chapters to go before we sleep....

So I interviewed Comer over the phone for the book I am writing about him. I wanted to visit, but really didn't have the time until all these nasty exams were over.
"But next week, I'd like to take you and Evelyn to lunch. Would that be ok?"
"I just don't know," Comer said, "Evelyn is in a wheelchair now half the time. I don't know if you could manage."
"I could manage," I said gently.
"Do you think you could? It would do her good to get out."
"Yes Comer, I am sure I could. I will come pick you up Monday."
As I got off the phone, I thought about how much Asherel and I had both been looking forward to the day when things would be winding down from the exam work and this very hard school year. But then I thought of Evelyn.
Never long for the days of things winding down!

Ecclesiastes 11:9
You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.


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