The Sky’s the Limit: My Journey with Maryellen

Folding chairs and stools line the sand by the dock, in front of a chalkboard. Maryellen, Carolyn, and Beverly shed their shorts and shirts onto the stools. A tall woman in a bathing suit welcomes us as the ski schoolmarm and tells us to find a partner, sign up, and take a seat. Maryellen turns to me, realizing she forgot to ask. Do I want to learn to water ski?

My heart thuds, and I want to say no. But Ellie has been such a good friend, and she wants us to be “Ski-lings” together. How can I refuse her? Nervous, I smile at Maryellen and agree to be partners.

After a chalk talk on posture and safety, we take turns water skiing behind a motorboat with our partners. Ellie is up on her skis right away. I always forget she had polio, since it never slows her down. Even the schoolmarm is impressed. I’m pretty good, too, skiing on water isn’t so different from skiing on snow, and I grin the whole time, loving the speed and the feeling of flying.

When the school ends, I’m tired but glad I tried it. Changing in the ladies’ room, Ellie says she loved skiing with me and asks if I felt the same. I did.

We meet up with Mr. Larkin, Joan, Jerry, and Tom, split between the two cars, and head home. Quiet in the car, I think about how good it felt to ski, and how doing it out of friendship for Maryellen felt even better. Maybe I could snow ski for Emma, too, since she’s my sister and friend. Can I be forgiving and stick with the team, despite the false accusation of cheating?

Jerry turns into the Larkins’ driveway just behind Mr. Larkin’s car. Mrs. Larkin and Mikey come out to greet us as we climb out. I tell Maryellen I’ll never forget today, or any minute I’ve spent with her and her family. I thank her for everything, but tell her it’s time for me to go home.

Maryellen nods sadly, says she understands, and hugs me. I hug the rest of the Larkins, including Jerry, then everyone heads inside while I duck into the camper and change back into my ski uniform. I click the watch, and swoosh.