The summer officially ended this weekend. Labor Day picnics, trips to the lakes, gatherings and merriment are used to celebrate the season. Leaves have already begun to fall. Pools and ice cream stands will begin to close in my beloved Michigan.
Nothing is permanent here. We live in a very dimensional state with four robust seasons and distinct moods. I mourn the end of this particular summer.
The summer of 2016 was my first as a working mom. (I’ve owned my own business since 2008, but that is a rhythm we are all accustomed to.) This was the first time I had to leave the house and spend 25 hours a week sitting in someone else’s world (while still running the biz.)
It was very troublesome for me. My youngest was 11. He spent a lot of time with my inlaws and on his own. When his brother wasn’t babysitting, they hung out together. But I wasn’t there to drive them to the lake or the movies or even to get random meals out or ice cream treats. And I missed them very much. When the tax forms came in January and I saw how very little I earned, I realized it wasn’t worth it to be away from my boys.
So, as of June 2, 2017, I went back to the schedule I was used to. I slowed down the pace and went back into service for my guys. It has been the best three months. The weather was amazing, the sky was so blue with puffs of white dancing in the sky. And I took it all in.
I spent less time applying make up and more time rubbing in sunscreen.
I spent more time in the water than watching from the shore.
I spent more time lying in the grass, distinguishing shapes in the clouds and watching for shooting stars.
I took more photos of sunsets and less meaningless selfies.
I rode a bicycle more.
I revelled in the privilege of having my sons with me and being available to them.
As the leaves change color and the temperatures plummet, I won’t regret this summer. I nearly stopped time. I truly enjoyed my children. Our schedules will now fire up with half time performances at football games, spaghetti dinners and tailgates, cross country meets and talent shows. I will continue to take it all in; now with a sweater in the trunk of the car.
Auda Here 