Every Summer has a Story

July 9, 2021

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We’ve just past the first week in July, and it suddenly dawned on me, as I was walking in the park this morning, “THIS is Summer.” THIS is the time of year that many yearn for during the frigid months of winter, and it’s here! Before we know it, July will be over, and college students will be returning to school, families will be shopping for school supplies, and the warmth of Summer will begin to fade, and I often will feel sad.

So, I pondered on the above plaque I have on my door, that ‘Every Summer has a Story,’ and I vowed to myself that I was going to make sure my story will include all of the frills and it’s up to me, and up to you to make it enjoyable.

I remember a Summer back in NYC, while a teenager, when I became infatuated with the Italian guy that worked in the ice-cream van at Prospect Park, which we often frequented. I remember waiting until he took a break, and we then took a walk in the park. I also remember us walking side by side, up and down some hills, through tall trees, and that was it! I think I dreamed of him kissing me, but it never occurred. I think we were happy just being together, walking among the greenery, content, and dreaming our own dreams silently. That was a Summer Story I’ve never forgotten.

How about you, how many Summer Stories do you remember?

So, thus far, my Summer Story has been unfolding nicely. I think I’ve been to the beach twice with my Mom and my niece, who I knew as a young child, and who now has four beautiful children of her own; we enjoyed many laughs surrounding Mom and her ‘chair’ (rollator) on the sand! I’ve been to the boardwalk many times, really year round, because I live so close. At this time of year, I can usually wear my swimsuits during my walks on the boardwalk, especially as the temperatures soar (I’ve had to convince Mom of this, pointing out many of the women wearing much more scantily clad suits, to which she always responds, “they will all burn in hell.”) Ouch!!

I’ve also hosted a 4th of July Party (always trying to build on my years of event planning skills), combined with our neighborhood’s first Block Party, both of which were a hit! It was complete with barbecued burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, pies, sundaes, water balloon fights and fun in the pool (really three little blue kiddy pools.)

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And we discovered something exciting for the senior pioneer in our family: her great grand children involved her in throwing the ball back and forth to each other while they were all seated in the living room of my home. My 80-year old Mom’s laughter was priceless! Another feeling of accomplishment for me that I categorize as a personal success.

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Well the Summer waits for no one, so, let’s see what other experiences this Event Planner can add to her Summer Story of 2021. I wish you and your family a Summer of great experiences too!!

More to come…(first in a Summer Series)