Saying Goodbye to Summer

The start of school (last week) and the Labor Day weekend are reminders to us that summer is officially over. These reminders always make me a bit sad this time of year. Why is it that I have such a hard time letting summer go? Like most parents, I like having a clean house again and not having to drive everyone from one place to another. So what gives, why the melancholy?

I think, for me, these special memories are just too fresh in my mind which is why they are so hard to let them go. I am thankful that, as a family, we will always have these memories with us.

The new fire pit where the conversation with friends and relatives flowed and pounds of marshmallows, non-dairy chocolate and graham crackers were consumed.

The rich colors and flavors of fresh blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, and sweet corn on the cob from the local market that made the late night dinners on the porch taste so special.

The magnificent view of dunes grass, sand and the lake from the backyard. The best place to watch the storms come in from the west.

Those calm days where hanging out on the lake is preferable to hanging out at the mall or the movie theater.

The early morning walks on the beach with just you, your dog and no one else. The evening walks watching the gold, orange, and magnificent red sun as it melts into the lake. Or gazing at the hundreds of stars in the blackest of skies with no other light but the local lighthouse 4 miles away?

The occasional escape to the local beach shops with family and friends for the latest in summer wear, pretzels, Temptations ice cream and slushies. Even chalk art is encouraged here!

Travelling on the M-22 roadway almost to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for barn sales, kayaking, hiking and the 7:30 p.m. swim at the Point Betsie Lighthouse near Manistee.

Even though we will miss being with our family and friends, we will have the comfort that summer will be here again soon and we may start our memories once again. One of the great things about the Midwest is that it is ever changing so we'll head up there in November and we'll still have our walks on the beach but now they will be a bit heavier with snow shoes instead of sandals.