A Promise

I always remember her in her office, illuminated by the late afternoon sun. Her zeal to do right, always left her on the verge of tears, because she set the bar so high. She was a teacher that gave her all to her students. Her life was summed up in the previous 4th of July weekend. While the outside world exploded in celebration and exuberance she labored away all night critiquing each paper so they could be returned next day as promised.