10 Comments
Leave a Comment
Yay! I’m so glad another school year has come to a close and that it is summertime. One of my favorite songs is the George Gershwin classic Summertime. The living is easy in those long months of June, July and August. The days are endless because the sun sets later and there seems to be no end to the days of leisure.
This year summer seems a little bittersweet to me. My daughter, my oldest child, who we refer to as awesomeness-in-human-form in our house, will be a senior in high school next year. I know that this is truly my last summer with her as a child and not as a woman. And I want to make the most of it. I’ve planned trips that we’ve all longed to go on–a trip to London for her because she loves Harry Potter. A family vacation with my sisters, their families and my parents to Yosemite. A beach trip because we’re Florida-girls at heart and love the beach. But I know that the trips won’t define the summer instead it will be those moments I spend with my daughter.
This summer is will be marked by what we do as a family. I’m a woman who loves traditions and preserving the past for the future but looking to the future often scares me. I prefer the comfort of the past and the known over the unknown. And while I know that there will be other vacations and other long summer days spent with awesomeness I also long for this summer to never end.
What about you?
Katherine
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Jun 4th
2009
8:00 am
Margo Maguire Said:
We’ve been waffling over vacation plans for the past couple of months! We’ve got to nail it down really soon.
We joined my husband’s family for a trip to Yosemite a couple of years ago – Wow. It was great! (If you’re staying in the park, the cabins are the way to go – no worries about bears or noisy campers).
-
Jun 4th
2009
8:32 am
kristan higgins Said:
I had a lump in my throat reading that, Katherine. Congratulations on having such a wonderful daughter!
-
Jun 4th
2009
8:42 am
Emily McKay Said:
You nearly made me cry! My oldest is just four and I’m already dreading her going off to college. Isn’t that silly?
Enjoy the summer!
-
Jun 4th
2009
9:40 am
Aleka Nakis Said:
I feel you
I’m more than glad the summer is here, but time seems to be moving real fast. I want to slow it down, but only bits and parts that really matter…like family.
Enjoy every minute.
-
Jun 4th
2009
10:01 am
Kathleen O'Brien Said:
Oh, Kathy, you’re so smart to cherish every minute! And it sounds as if you have tingly-cool adventures planned! You’re so clever to have raised a daughter smart enough to love Harry Potter!
-
Jun 4th
2009
10:03 am
Katherine Garbera Said:
Ha! Kathleen–I’m not clever just lucky!
Aleka-the days do seem to coming faster and faster each year.
Kristan–Thank you!
Margo–I can’t wait to spend some time outdoors this summer!
Kathy
-
Jun 4th
2009
11:55 am
Shana Said:
I’m glad school is out too! As a teacher, I was beginning to feel more like a babysitter the last two weeks.
-
Jun 4th
2009
2:56 pm
Shirley Karr Said:
Katherine, that does sound like fun!
I’ve tried to make a point of cherishing each stage my son has been through — rather than mourn the passing of one, try to look forward to the next. He’s almost two so we’re talking about trying things this summer that we didn’t last year, like camping and fishing. I confess to a sense of trepidation about venturing into the woods instead of the nice city park. He’s inquisitive, fast, and fearless — a combination that may someday give me heart failure.
-
Jun 4th
2009
3:16 pm
RobynDeHart Said:
I love the summers because The Professor is home with me more often. This summer has already been a particularly good one for us because we moved back to TX. It will be great once we sell our TN house and can buy a new one here – I love to decorate so I’m really looking forward to that. Because of the moving expenses though we don’t have any trips planned. But that’s okay with me because I’m finally back home!!!
Kathy, your summer sounds great and very special. Enjoy!
-
Jun 5th
2009
5:28 am
mimi Said:
I teach, so you know I LOVE summer! What you’re planning this summer sounds great–I’d love to crawl into a suitcase and go with. Of course, it would have to be a big suitcase on wheels, because I should be spending time at the Y instead of stowing away with you, but…
From watching graduation every year (and teaching seniors for more years than I can count), I can tell you that the next school year will go very, very fast. Enjoy every minute, but remember–when it’s time for her to leave the nest, let her fly. You’ve helped her develop strong wings. They’ll always bring her home.
-