I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my life. Among the great ones were: raising my children who are ecstatic demonstrably smarter than I, growing old gracefully, keeping my mouth shut at preacher’s meetings, and looking sincere when I say “Oh, it’s so nice to see you again” to some people, climbing Mount Healy in Alaska. Never in my long life would I have imagined my greatest challenge would come in that vibrant town of Calhoun, Georgia. But, it is here, dear reader; at the pinnacle of my living I have bumped against the immovable object which thus far has thwarted my never-ending quest to overcome the less than exultant.

It is my heartfelt desire that before I die I will be triumphant over this challenge. The contest of which I speak comes in the form of a woman. She’s a mature woman, who, according to the assessment of my practiced eye, is of an age to qualify for several grandchildren. She is always dressed implacably in a fashion that while acknowledging her age gives flair to her sense of refinement. Her makeup is applied, obviously, with the practiced hand of Southern woman that accentuates the features without devaluing the appearance. Additionally, her physical form belies her age and must be the envy of others half her years.

Not only does this woman exude a pleasing appearance, but her capabilities of mind are several layers above average. Observations of her over the last half-decade evidence one with command of the particulars of her profession. Often upon visiting in her office on personal business I have seen her give instruction to a more junior employee on the correct procedure to complete a task. Impression is many years of work in this profession have brought a capability that guides the activities of her office.

Punctuality and persistency seem also to be within her qualities. No matter how early I visit she is always there. No matter which or what days I visit her presence is witnessed.

Her ability to stay on task apparently is beyond appraisal. While others in her surroundings are accomplishing one task she will complete several, sometimes handling multiple issues at once.

There is no doubt this woman of unusual capabilities is undervalued in her compensation. There is no doubt she would be sorely missed were she to leave her employ. In so many ways she is an example of the competent, hard-working, dedicated servant to the organization.

Countless are the times I’ve been within the confines of her office and watched her handle some particular task with a person ahead of me. And when the particular undertaking was finalized and the previous client departed, I have been known to compliment her inimitable handling of the situation. It is at this point I come face to face with my challenge.

Other times I’ve visited her place of business with a particular purpose of my own. And when this obviously talented woman has quickly satisfied my inquiry which I immediately acknowledge with the appropriate degree of appreciation, I once again come face-to-face with the challenge.

If I understood the source of my challenge I might be able to overcome it easily. Of if I could just talk to some of her friends to come to an understanding of her upbringing I could be conversant with a strategy for winning.