But new medication has stabilized her heart rate, and this is good news. I arrive in time to get some of the benefit of her roomie s loud, ugly behavior, and understand why there was no sleep the night before. The track is getting crowded. Fall football practice has begun, and something like 100 kids in full pads occupy the practice fields, utilizing what appear to be brand-new blocking sleds and other training devices. There s a full complement of coaches and videotaping equipment, so that each practice session can be studied.
School is about to open.
There is a certain vibrancy surrounding the opening of school any school. This year, though, all these young folks, looking purposeful while I continue to walk in circles around the track, leave me feeling more than ever to be out of it. Age is a factor, and so is this unique, tragic situation that got us here in the first place. For the first time in 34 years of teaching, I m not on hand for the opening day of the fall term. Gayla is distraught, because of the pain her brother has endured, and because of all the wasted opportunities in his life.