May 19, 2017

I don’t know if those who use the metaphor have ever actually run a marathon. A few years ago, I committed to run one with my son and his wife; I quietly spent my free hours running outside, or inside at the U. Md. student recreation center. I have wonderful memories of most of the race in Burlington, Vermont, on that Memorial Day weekend. A crowd of thousands of racers and race supporters had gathered by 7:00 AM; the temperature was already in the 60s. The course weaves through town and out to the farmland in the north, then back through town and farther south, up a long hill where a group of drummers pound out a rhythm that keeps your tired feet moving, through several neighborhoods, and the final turn to run back south along the bike path that parallels the banks of Lake Champlain. The view of the lake and the mountains of New York on the opposite shore is breathtaking—or was it the first 22 miles? Keeping track of mile markers, now passing painfully slowly, glimpses of the lake, appreciation for the breeze, encouraging each other to keep on. . . the finish line came into view. Bystanders now stood ten-deep on each side of the trail, encouraging us: “You’re almost there, just another hundred yards.” As I crossed the finish line, I could feel the effects of dehydration, insufficient training, inexperience, and race-day nutrition. An hour of excruciating leg cramps followed immediately, and descending stairs for the next two days was laughably challenging. I was a novice marathoner.

 

For our sprint to the finish here at FCS, we are confident that we have the experience and stamina to finish well. Our last mile is filled with classroom activities, evening presentations, overnight field trips, alumni gatherings, picnics, performances, and graduation. A quick calendar check reveals a1 /2 Habitat presentation today, Arts Night on May 22, and Middle School trips toward the end of the week just prior to the Memorial Day holiday. Following that weekend, we will recognize K-7 students who are leaving during Wednesday’s Meeting for Worship, feature our final day trips, and appreciate the 6th grade’s green architecture projects. On Friday morning, June 2, we invite alumni to gather for breakfast with our 8th graders. The All-School Picnic is planned for June 4, and our final week of school will feature recognition of 8th graders during Meeting for Worship, Graduation, and the End of Year Show. As the finish line looms in the distance, we should all enjoy the breeze, the view, and the satisfaction that our experience together this year brought out our collective best effort.