The Sky’s the Limit: My Journey with Maryellen

When I’m out of sight, I click the watch and swoosh back onto the ski race awards platform, nervous but glad to see my family. Their concerned faces give me strength. I tell Coach Stanislav and the judge I didn’t cheat, and ask to explain.

Later, at home, I’m changing out of my ski uniform when Emma comes in. She apologizes for letting me down. I apologize, too, then tell her I don’t want to be on the ski team anymore. Emma nods sadly, saying she’s not surprised and wouldn’t blame me for never wanting to do anything with her again.

I grin, that’s not why I’m quitting. Instead, let’s team up on Thanksgiving decorations, turkey-shaped place cards. Emma’s enthusiasm reminds me of Maryellen’s arms-wide-open family, and I decide to open my heart to Gran, too.

I pull Emma out the door and poke my head into Gran’s room. I suggest inviting Daria and her mother to Thanksgiving dinner. We have plenty of food, and it’d be fun to include them, since they’re Gran’s friends.

Gran calls it a great idea and hugs me. I’ve never seen her look so pleased. Mom and Dad like the idea, too, so Gran calls Daria’s mom while Emma and I gather paper for our turkey place cards. We’re already tracing our hands when Gran announces that Daria and her mother will join us.

I think of Maryellen’s family, the Winklers, Scooter, Tinkerbelle, and the turkey legs. The more the merrier.

And then Gran adds that they’ll be bringing their dog.