Time To Go

After period 4 I'm done for the year. It's been about getting through the final week, for everyone. As always. At home I wrap up the lamp...it's too big and bulky. When I return it I chat to Allan. He's looking down so I ask how business is going. Not good. This time of year is always slow and this year the hotels have laid low so a backbone of his revenue has gone. He's another small business who struggles to get through in a good year. This year, without international tourists, has been tough. I'd like to spend more money here but I haven't got a lot left in the old oak chest. 

Kahu and I go for a swim. The idea when we get back is to change like Superman. Kahu has a shower then wants to iron a shirt. Luckily he can't find it because we're running late. When we arrive at Addington the room is almost full. Kahu looks around and looks for his mate. No seats so he goes to the loo. I've been here before. It's avoidance. I look around and talk to my mate, Sharon, who is head of the Kimi Ora, kids with disabilities, unit. There are two seats. When Kahu reappears he's not keen. Not much choice. I walk around a bit. Less choice. Then Kahu disappears into the loo again. Now there's only one seat at the Kimi table. Sharon says we can squash and make room for two. I sit down. Kahu is awol so I phone him. He reappears as we put extra cutlery on the table and find a chair. 

The dinner is the biggest to date. 300 odd. The speeches are great, the food is good, Kahu does catch up eating, and there's lots of time to socialise. Kahu is looking a bit lost but eventually makes it to the race stands with the other kids. I see a boy who was especially difficult in my Year 11 class two years ago. Today he smiles. He was so revolting I don't know if I will ever trust him but at least he has got through the negative teen phase. I find most of my 302's. Beautiful girls. Lots of chat and nurturing when things got tough for one or another. Break ups, a sick old parent, an abusive parent, and dropping out. Life. 

By the end of the night my farts are worse than usual. And by the time we make home I've got stomach cramps. I collapse on the loo then the living room sofa till Kahu helps me to bed. The end of another school year. It's impossible to predict how it's going to roll.