Happy “Unofficial End-of-Summer” Day!
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For most of America, Labor Day is time to take off from work and enjoy the unofficial last day of summer by grilling outside and soaking up some sun.
Unfortunately for us, the forecast looked like this in our neck of the woods:
Boooo, rain!
We spent the day playing and doing small errands here and there. We topped it off with a trip to our favorite new place for dinner where both kids amazingly {and happily!} sat in their chairs for the entire meal. A first for Bee, I have to say. Such great behavior deserves a merry-go-round ride, so we did so inside the adjacent mall. Who says Labor Day fun has to happen on the beach or on a deck? Bee and Noodle sitting next to each other as we spun around on the carousal horses {thankfully} felt just as good.
And now, it’s time to take down our “Summer Fun List.” This was one list even my husband enjoyed. Because he does not enjoy most of my lists!
This summer was difficult and wonderful all at once. Difficult because we had to say goodbye to an uncle whom I never imagined would ever leave us– way too soon, and way too quickly. It was beautiful how his family responded, truly a story of compassion and devotion. To watch that type of love changed me forever.
As much as I want to hate this summer for what it took from us– and, don’t get me wrong, there are times I hate it with a passion for just that reason– there were things that made it wonderful. Those things that didn’t make it wonderful at least made it unforgettable. After all, I got to see Bee take his first steps, Noodle turn three, feel the sun of my face, survive potty training, visit the zoo with my gal pal Noodle, weather a hurricane, eat blackberries off the vine, kayak in the sound, hunt fireflies with our resident firefly hunter, paint a room the happiest color ever, and take massive steps toward a life of normalcy for our little Noodle. What a blessed, blessed summer it was. Even when it wasn’t.
When I look back, here’s what I hope to remember. These are the moments I pray are on my highlight reel when I’m 100 years old, or smack-dab in the middle of winter in just a few short months.
::sigh::
It’s time for me to admit defeat and embrace autumn now that summer is fading fast. When my seasonal depression sets in about, oh– January– at least I’ll relish the knowledge we enjoyed every last bit of summer while it lasted.
Regardless, anyone have a fast forward button to get me to May? Or a sun lamp? Perhaps a condo in Florida that needs a housesitter for 3 months? It would be much appreciated. My kids and husband thank you deeply.
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