I don’t know about you, but I am looking for to this summer. Almost like a kid waiting for summer break from school. There are so many things I didn’t get to do last summer, I feel like I’m ready to bust.
Summer is my favorite season. I like the feel of the sun on my face, the sound of the ocean, sand in my feet and of course, the smell of the grill out back. I love hearing the sound of happy kids playing in the water, chasing bubbles, and riding bikes. Outdoor concert? I am there, lawn chair in tow. Arts fest, funnel cakes going booth to booth and talking to the artists, yep that’s me.
I could go on and on about why I love summer. But last year we had NONE of that. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until things looked like they were coming back to normal this year.
And guess what - as summer is getting closer I plan on doing all of them, plus some. This time in pandemic mode has made me realize I never stopped to really take the time to enjoy the things I love. I just did them without appreciating how good they made me feel.
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I love the water - but I was taking swimming for granted. Flowers make me smile. Listening to music on a warm summer night, with a clear sky overhead is almost heaven. And now - I plan to experience all of them. Too many times in the past, I was too busy to smell the flowers. I realize now my priorities have been out of whack for years.
Having grandchildren has helped me understand that. It wasn’t just that I didn’t get to see them for a year....I didn’t get to hear their laughter for a year or that I didn’t get hugs and kisses for year. I grasped what I’ve been told for years. Life can change in an instant. You can’t always go back, you can’t always get a second chance so make this moment count. Make this moment last.
This Memorial Day weekend I am reminded of this holiday when I was growing up. Going to the cemetery was a family ritual. The WHOLE family - all the kids ( my cousins), my mom, grandmother and aunts. My grandmother packed sandwiches, and drinks. We would plant flowers, take flags, spend time recognizing those who “gave their all”. It was a family tradition.
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I haven’t done it in years....but last Memorial Day I missed being able to go. But I will go this weekend. I will pause to remember. Heck, I might even take a sandwich and a drink. I can’t do it as a “family” because we’re all scattered now.
But Memorial Day marks the start of the summer season. It marks the beginning of being able to do all the things I missed doing last year. And this year, I’m taking advantage of it. I know now what it feels like not to. I think that’s one of the things I learned in pandemic life.
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