THE DEATH OF A SUMMER
Re-post from August 2012… since school is coming around again.
I know that look on her face; it reads like the big “E” on the eye chart. She’s devastated by what she knew was inevitable. She lived the good life; stayed up late, slept in, went to the mall, the beach, the movies, but mostly she relished the time away from school.
She, like we did, learned year after year that all good things come to an end, including summer. She grieves the time being over, it’s spent, never to be relived again… and the reality weighs on her small frame. She had her funeral face on the day I wrote this, hence the title of the post.
Our youngest is definitely a chip off the ole’ block. I remember celebrating the beginning of summer as if it were an entrance into heaven. In fact, that’s exactly what it felt like. I too mourn the passing of summer as if it were the loss of my best friend. The adage, “All good things come to an end,” while true on this physical earth, never made me feel any better, so I spared her that tradition.
The reality is that I mourn the passing of a summer time too, but for slightly different reasons. I know my little one grieves, they are the same reasons I did, but not what I grieve for now…
The reality that life moves on faster than we can comprehend is what settles in the forefront of my thought. I think about the things I didn’t do with not just her, but all of them. I remember how fast the four years of high school went by for her big sisters.
I also think about the innocence that’s close to being gone forever. I remember summers when they were all home and the trips taken, the memories made. Yeah, I miss the summer and summers just like my little one does.
She’ll settle in, she’ll struggle with adolescent issues, she’ll worry about things that she doesn’t need to at the age like all of us did, but that’s part of life and the age. I’ll struggle too, but for different reasons. I’m old enough to know how fast life gets behind us and yet I squander some of that precious commodity of time too, just not quite as blatantly as I used to.
I’m sympathetic to my daughter, I too feel the death of a summer, but I also know that each day and season is a gift from God. There is redemption, forgiveness, and another chance every time we open our eyes to start a new day, not to mention the memories of each gift of summer that lives with us forever.
“You wanna’ come with me?” I asked.
“No,” she said quietly.
“You’re sad, huh?”
“Yeah.”
I smiled that flat-across-the-face-type of sympathetic smile, then whistled the ten note death march tune…
She laughed.
I think it’s gonna be a good year…
Lynn Morrissey
Thursday, August 7, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
Really great post, Floyd. I’m so glad you re-posted, b/c I had never read it. It’s probably one of the best posts of yours I’ve ever read!Ann Voskamp wrote about this theme today over at InCourage, so I’m thinking it’s on everyone’s mind (including mine, and for reasons you cite–which I included in the comments over there). Like you I am thinking it’s not just the end of summer ’14, but it, at least for me, is one more summer closer to the end. My one consolation in writing at Ann’s is that I can look forward to the eternal Spring of Resurrection. Things may draw to an end here, but they are just prelude to better things….things that will last forever. Enjoy these last lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!
Fondly
Lynn
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 2:57 pm
Thanks so much, Lynn. Not too far back I was looking up the word “death” in my concordance for a Bible study. I found it fascinating that one of the meanings of the word “death” is “the beginning”. Now that will preach, huh? Backs up your wise summary of our life after this physical one.
Enjoy your summer, or what’s left of it, as well, Lynn. Blessings to you and yours.
Lynn Morrissey
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:20 pm
Oh my gosh, Floyd. that gives me chills! I just love that idea. I know it, but hadn’t phrased it in my head that way. Are you able to share (or emailing me) what source you sued and the definition…word….whatever your concordance said?
Floyd
Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 8:53 am
I’ll email you.
Lynn Morrissey
Thursday, August 7, 2014 @ 6:43 pm
Floyd, this is one of my favorite summer poems. I think I may have shared it with you before. I thnk it is so poignant and food for thought . . .
Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle Received from a Friend Called Felicity
http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~hsiao/verse/watermelon.html
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:00 pm
You did share it last year! I love it! And I just remembered that poem spawned one I posted last year titled “Watermelon Seed Wars”. Thanks, Lynn. Think I’ll eat some watermelon this afternoon… then maybe scratch out a few words on a tablet later… that’s a good summer’s day, I’d say…
June
Thursday, August 7, 2014 @ 7:35 pm
Oh, the JOY of having the summer stretch before you – no responsibilities or schedules! I wish I could bottle that feeling. I’ve rarely had a glimpse of it these last 25{ish} years. Since I don’t have kids, there is no real change to my schedule during the summer months. But summer still remains something special. There is just a feeling about it – perhaps it is the glimmer of what was and maybe, just maybe the JOY we felt will be like the JOY we will once feel again when we step into eternity with Him. Your posts always take me somewhere, Floyd. That’s a gift, brother. Thank you for sharing.
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:06 pm
I agree with you, June. The summer part of the years seems like the climax of the year. After it cools off it’s a long dénouement… time to reflect, the joy in a season and the joy that awaits us. I like that. Thanks, June!
Dan Black
Thursday, August 7, 2014 @ 8:13 pm
Great post Floyd, I still remember being in High School and enjoying my summer times out of school. I miss those days:)
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:07 pm
Yeah, I do too, Dan. Funny how we hang onto the magical days of summer from our youth with zeal. Those are the days that live on forever. Thanks, Dan.
Dolly@Soulstops
Thursday, August 7, 2014 @ 9:38 pm
Floyd,
I’m glad you re-posted as it is the first time I’ve read it and I enjoyed it…Glad you spared your daughter the adage and instead whistled a tune in sympathy…summer does go by much too fast…our girl has another almost 2 weeks 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:10 pm
Sometimes I’m wise enough to keep my mouth shut. School starts this Tuesday for our youngest. She’s out shopping for school supplies today. Cherishing the moments, realizing there aren’t many left… Thanks, Dolly. Too fast indeed.
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 5:33 am
Your little girl is just like the rest of us, I always hate to see summer come to a close. Yet I love the changing of the seasons, I look forward to all of them. Change is invitae but you are so right that they grow up too fast and we spend our time wondering what we have missed 🙁
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:12 pm
I too love the season changes, but try to hang onto the days of summer as long as I can. Must be something about our melancholy wiring… Watching life go by so fast is like seeing a magic trick… a miracle really. Thanks, Nannette.
Audra Krell
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 9:01 am
I’m definitely grieving the end of summer as our middle leaves for college. I have to say though, it’s been an epic summer. With a 7 day advance spontaneous trip to Alaska with the whole family, to serving alongside my two older boys in the jungle of Mexico, it’s one of the best yet. Pretty sure, it makes letting it go even harder. Thanks for posting this again Floyd, one of your best, but then I think they all are!
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:14 pm
“Pretty sure, it makes letting it go even harder.” Wise words, Audra. Love has a way of making the heart ache harder. Glad to hear of your wonderful summer with your family. It doesn’t get any better than that… Thanks, Audra. We’re both down to the last one!
Jeanne Dotterweich
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.
John Gregory Brown
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:16 pm
What an awesome quote, Jeanne! You carry the cloth gifted to you by your dad with honor… It’s beautiful.
Hazel Moon
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 12:36 pm
Great Post and thanks for the memories.
I remember how we looked forward to Summer Vacation from school – -.
Usually our church had a Vacation Bible school, that we attended and as I got older I helped out with crafts and sometimes the memorization of the scriptures.
Mom and dad always had us visit grandparents for a week in the summer, and although we were glad to see them, we also wanted to be home. Summer seemed to drag on then after a few weeks, we got bored and started looking forward to School starting again.
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
You were a good kid, Hazel… Even with all those escapades I’ve read about in your books! Memories can be sweeter than watermelon… Thanks, Hazel.
David
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 3:28 pm
Again, Floyd, you print a vivid memory picture with you gift for words …
I too so remember the summers out of school and the fun we had, not to mention the trouble we managed to get into. Although I must admit, I used to look forward to school starting again because I actually liked school – of course that doesn’t necessarily mean I was a good student – but I liked school none-the-less.
My son too is toeing that fine line between not wanting summer to end but kind of wanting school to start again. We live in suburbia so his friends are strewn out all over the place and some days he just gets bored (and slightly testy, some days more than others). School means he can hang with his friends again. Often “hangin’-with-the-buds” is paramount at that age.
But, like you, I grieve the passing of summer – and fall, winter and spring for that matter – because the time just goes too fast. And so often there’s time that has slipped through our fingers that simply can’t be redeemed … chances not taken … opportunities missed …opportunities blown …
Thankfully God promises to restore the time lost … great post, Floyd.
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:22 pm
I always appreciate your wisdom and words, David. Yesterday is unforgiving… glad our Father is forgiving… It’s amazing how our memories from summer time as kids is so vivid. Trouble does seem easier to find in the summer time too, David. You’ve got me remembering! Sometimes that’s a painful production! Thanks, David. I appreciate you sharing, my friend.
Sharon
Friday, August 8, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
Oh Floyd. This brought back so many memories. I loved summer with my sons growing up! We did so many fun things, and I loved having them around all the time. I can remember hearing other moms bemoaning having their kids home, “I can’t wait until school starts up again!” – I wasn’t one of them.
It’s funny – this time of year I seem to feel more homesick for my sons, who are well grown-up and on their way in life. I still miss those boys under my roof. A parent is a parent forever…
Time passes quickly – it goes faster the older we get. And yet, every day is a gift from God, until the day we see Him face-to-face. And that is the beginning of everything!
This quote from C.S. Lewis: ““The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.” (from “The Last Battle” – The Chronicles of Narnia
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:26 pm
You were the wise one to know to relish the days with your boys under your roof. Time is relative that’s for sure. We’re in it for now and have been blessed to be chosen. Love that line from Lewis! Thanks for sharing, Sharon.
Betty Draper
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 12:17 pm
Seasons come and season go and the only thing that does not change is God consistent love for us, Being in the season of winter makes me want to savor all He has for me. Yet in this season a part of me, His part longs daily to see Him face to face. Just listening to the news lately, all the wars and rumors of war all over, fear on almost every front. Fear of financial disaster, fear of the enemy invading our country, fear caused by a country lead by men who kick God out of everything. And as I watch my grand children playing so innocently, so unaware of the danger out there I want to protect them from any harm yet knowing I can’t. Just heard a great song titles, Everything Moves But You. I don’t want to live my remaining years in dread of the seasons, I want to embrace all that comes with each one. I long for safety for my grandchildren, for those children who face possible beheading by the hands of the devil himself. The verses that talk about us redeeming the times shout out to me as I live in this season with all the turmoil surrounding us. I don’t want fear to keep me bound up, so daily I take courage by the hand and cross from fear to faith. My five year old grand daughter is starting kindergarten in a couple weeks. She told me she was a little afraid. I reminder her how afraid she was of learning to swim, hanging onto the side of the pool for weeks till finally one day she took courage by the hand and let go and to her surprise her life jacket kept her afloat, just like we kept telling her it would. Now she is swimming without a life jacket just like we told her she could do. How many times God has told me over and over, let go Betty, let go and I cling to the side of the pool so afraid, not wanting to let go of what is comfortable and seemingly safe. What joy there is in each season, each time we let go and go on toward our high calling of being conformed into His image. What joy it’s been to watch our grand daughter go from fear to faith…I believe we give God great joy when we let go of the season we are in and by faith head into the next one. Great re-post brother…
Floyd
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:30 pm
I share your sentiments, Betty. My heart breaks for the world and the direction it’s headed with our children heading into the fire. Great analogy about your granddaughter and the faith it takes to let go and let God show His majestic power that nothing in His creation can grasp or stop! Love that faith, sister! Blessings to you, Betty.
Lynn Morrissey
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
Oh wow, yes! I do remember your great watermelon war post! =] Wonderful! I guess I h adn’t realized that Tobias’s poem inspired it. Thanks for making that connection.
Floyd
Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 8:53 am
Yep, I even mentioned you in the post as I recall. Thanks for the reminder again!
Ceil
Saturday, August 9, 2014 @ 7:21 pm
Hi Floyd! I sure hope your daughter had a great year back in 2012. I would love an update…where is she in school now?
Your point about each day being a gift is such a good one, and one I need to hear almost daily. Every morning the chute opens on the new day. What a privilege to enter into the dance of the new day, whether it’s a school day, or a sunny summer one.
Enjoy the month…it’s still warm summertime 🙂
Ceil
Floyd
Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 8:57 am
She was going to be a freshman and she’s still at the same Christian school. She’ll be driving herself this year… I need ta daily reminder as well so as not to take too much for granted and miss the big picture and purpose of our lives. It’s gonna be warm in Arizona for a bit longer! Thanks, Ceil.
Bill (cycelguy)
Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 3:03 pm
Hard to believe tomorrow is the fist day of school for our school district. Others started 2 weeks ago. Another one week ago. Summer was exactly two months for us. I miss summer.
Floyd
Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
Me too, Bill. The tradition is getting squeezed and will soon be a mere memory…
Barb Raveling
Monday, August 11, 2014 @ 5:24 pm
Yay, you get another year of a daughter being home! Our days lately have been bittersweet, knowing we don’t have much time to enjoy our youngest child before she goes off to college and we start our new empty nester venture. This afternoon we floated the river on inner tubes with her friend and my friend who happen to be mother and daughter as well. What a wonderful time! Just enough little riffles to make it fun, but mostly slow moving idyllic summer water. Our third float trip in a week. 🙂
Floyd
Monday, August 11, 2014 @ 6:43 pm
That’s wonderful, Barb. Those memories are worth all the numbers in the world can add up to. Bittersweet indeed, sister. Bittersweet indeed…
Nancy
Thursday, August 14, 2014 @ 9:59 am
Very cute! Accepting season-change is tough on most of us. Of course, I’m speaking with regard to life’s seasons now. The brevity of summer and vacation time, in general, seems to reel-in that wonderful, oh-so-fleeting feeling of freedom. Even as a kid, I had to work, so I was very appreciative of my breaks from school in the summer.
Life DOES tend to “get behind us” and time is squandered. Thank Gos that His grace helps with all changes and soothes over any emotions connected with things coming to an end. I sure DO love the cool of a summer morning. In my neck of the woods it’s been triple digits a lot this year. I think I’m ready for some FALL!
Floyd
Friday, August 15, 2014 @ 4:20 pm
Summer as kids leave lasting memories. The end is the beginning of something else, but that doesn’t always make it easy, does it? Being in Arizona I measure the end of summer with kids going back to school, because we’ll have triple digits for a long time to come round’ these parts! Thanks, Nancy.