Sweet Summer Endings

I have fond memories of summer holidays from my childhood. My parents made them special. Mom really worked at it in the planning part and Dad went along in the work part of it. We had people over often or went places. Holidays were a time to share with others.

Labor Day memories generally involved a rainy day, at least the more memorable ones. I recall being up north bored to tears in a cabin in the rain as a teen. But then perhaps any sort of weather at that point of time would have produced boredom for my teenage self! It was far less about the weather and far more about who was missing from the experience namely any of my friends.

I also remember watching for seemingly days the Jerry Lewis Tel-a-thon…remember that?! It was on like every station and back then we only had 3 stations plus PBS. One year I got a kit from the Jerry Lewis people to raise money and recall making rather involved plans for a show for the neighborhood. It never came about but did fill hours of my summer dreaming and scheming about it.

This day officially ends the summer season of play with school starting up for some all ready and for others tomorrow. I always enjoyed the start of school. I still love to look at all the school supplies in the stores this time of year. It was so fun to get new supplies and play with them before school started. The smell of a fresh box of crayons delights me and brings back wonderful memories. Getting one of those big boxes of Crayola’s with a sharpener included was a big deal in my family that didn’t happen very often.

My fondest memories of summer in my adult life involve time spent camping or at the Lake Michigan shore. These include my dear husband. I have wonderful memories of special times being with others and quiet times with just the two of us too.

Yesterday for the first time this season we went up north to our favorite beach on Lake Michigan and sat at the shore. I so badly needed to soak up the waves and allowed them to help my body breathe once again.

And, I finally was able to see a sunset over the Lake too! It was an intention of mine to give that to myself this summer at least once. Gratefully I did just that.

I am a clinger, a hanger on-er who likes to grab hold of something and does not want to see it end. And of course that means I am wrestling in ways with this day being the official end of the summer season of play.

It is supposed to rain later today…I just may have to turn on the TV and see if I can find the Jerry Lewis Tel-a-thon for old time’s sake!

What are some special summer memories you hold close to your heart?