As is the norm, Spring Break has come again. It is that special time of year when we all wish we were young. It seemed to me growing up, that Spring Break was observed by only by those in their college years, while everyone else watched. Since I have become older, Spring Break seems to have become a full fledged national holiday for a large segment of our society. That includes both young and old.
As I am tangentially related to an ongoing judicial campaign, I was told by the candidate that I was staying home and not going anywhere. That means that my Spring Break will be the same as it has been since I graduated law school – I will be working. My oldest son is roaming around Gulf Shores with friends that took pity on him since his family was not going anywhere, and the little ones are visiting their cousins in Fayetteville. That leaves Patti and I at home alone. I have found that the lack of pitter patter of feet has actually made our home a little too quiet. For those left behind, Spring Break can be a little lonely.
The NCAA Men’s basketball tournament has served only as background noise, with only the SEC scores and the larger upsets being brought to my attention. The tournament was a big part of my Spring Breaks in college and in law school. That might have something to do with the Razorbacks. The big dance is little more than a hoe down for me if the Hogs are not in the bracket.
I have planned on playing some golf this week. As I write this on Tuesday, I find a weather report that indicates nothing but rain until the weekend, and most of that time has been otherwise allotted. I had a great opportunity to golf last Saturday and Sunday, but chose to do little more than nothing. I did start reading a book by a very good criminal defense lawyer from Birmingham. It is a review of many of the cases that he has had over his career. The book must be true to life, since I felt just like I had just got off work when I put it down for the first time.
I plan on making the most of my Spring Break by chasing the illusive status of being “caught up.” I know in my heart that I will never be caught up and, when they come in and find my lifeless body slumped over my desk some time in the future, there will undoubtedly be a pile of papers just to my left with projects unfinished and notes to myself of things I need to get done. How is that for a pretty picture?
Maybe next year I will do something for Spring Break. Maybe I wont. Maybe I need to seek out a way to make every week a little more like Spring Break. By that, I mean recognizing the beauty and excitement of life along with the hard fact that you are really only as old as you think you are. Ironically, this highlights the dichotomy of my life: How can I be so immature and still be such an old man? I guess it takes all kinds, even way up in the CHEAP SEATS!
Bill James is a Criminal Defense attorney and co founder of the James Law Firm with offices in Little Rock, Conway, and Fayetteville, Arkansas. He may be contacted at Bill@JamesFirm.com.