THE DEATH OF A SUMMER
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, 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…
April
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:10 am
I am mourning the time passing as well. With each day of August that ticks off, I am reminded that not only will my baby boy turn 11 in a couple of weeks, but he will start junior high (6th grade) in 3 weeks. Time goes by so fast!
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:57 am
I hear you April. It’s mind bending…
Lincoln Parks
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:49 am
I asked my daughter the same question that if she was sad that Summer had gone and it was time to get back to school? She told me yes and that she did not want to go back to school just yet. I think the Summer Death hits allot of them and I know I experienced it also. Little do they know those precious days are given by God, they may not understand now, but they will in the future.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:58 am
Very true Lincoln. Each day is precious, a gift. The summer ending is the reality of this life. That look in their eyes says it all doesn’t it? Thanks Lincoln.
tcavey
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 8:23 am
Time does go so fast.
Growing up I thought it went at a snails pace. I couldn’t wait to grow up and move away from my small town.
Now I long to go back. Too much time has passed and I need to feel the slowness of being home.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 4:25 pm
I completely understand. It’s like our lives pick up speed and once it’s in motion, there’s no turning back. Only the hand of God could accomplish that…
Dan Black
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 10:42 am
I remember being in school and my summer breaks, only if adults could take the summer off. That would be great:)
Whenever you write posts like this it reminds me to cherish and value my time with my son and wife. Because before I know it he will be going to college and getting married.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 4:26 pm
You’re right Dan, that’s exactly what happens! I’m with you on the summer times off too!
Betty Draper
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 10:43 am
Time does keep marching on much to our regret. I was always bother when I would hear a parent say, I can’t wait for school to start because I knew they were not enjoying the today with their children. Then I caught my self saying the same thing the other day because when the kids go back to school the pool at the YMCA will not be so crowded. Old selfish me…good post brother.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 4:28 pm
I try to cherish the small seasons, but we’re all human, we all fail sometimes. Don’t be too hard on yourself, at least your trying to see your actions clearly with wisdom, that’s says a lot! Thanks Betty.
Audra Krell
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
Ah this one hit me hard, right where I live. Younger boy started last week and even worse, oldest is leaving for Soph year of college in two days. I always have this underlying nagging grief these days, all because he won’t be living with us again. Great writing Floyd, I was tearing up.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
I feel your emotion Audra, not as deep as you being a mom, but I get it. Another summer down… they sure are picking up speed aren’t they? It’s good, just a grim reality…
Hazel Moon
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
We morn the days past and the end of a season – but then the time ahead looks promising too! This looks like it will be a great year! Thanks for sharing this post at Tell Me a Story. http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:26 pm
Thanks Hazel. It’s a good year when God is the pinnacle of our lives. The future is bright with the Light of the world at our helm.
Mike
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:28 pm
When I was younger I used to morn the passing of summer, but after about 4 or 5 weeks in the upper 90’s and low 100’s I am looking forward to it’s passing. As for the metaphor, I’m probably in the fall of my life and see my parents in their winter. The youthful looks and energy are passing me bye, but I so look forward to a new life and a new body one day. Nice post, Floyd!
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:56 pm
Thanks Mike, that is the right perspective. My kids are just getting older so fast and I’ve really been trying to keep an eye on the time… Such is life huh my friend?
I think it was 114 degrees here today… You might have something there…
Mike
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 7:34 pm
Wow, that is hot. We have actually gotten a cold wave come through here. Past couple nights it’s been in the 60’s and today only got in upper 80’s. Nice relief. I know what you’re saying about trying to hold on to your children’s youth. Mine are 22 and 19, or course I didn’t get married until I was 32. The relationship changes, but it’s pretty cool.
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 8:13 pm
Our older girls are 24 and 21, the little one is 14. That’s probably how I know it goes by too fast!
Ngina Otiende
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
You know Floyd, am still getting used to ‘seasons’ – spring, summer, fall, winter because where i come from (Africa, Kenya) we have one big summer all year through..but marked by a cold season midyear which rarely hits 57 degrees (57 is actually extreme)
Today was the first time that i looked at our clocked and noticed that dusk is falling earlier. It’s interesting on one hand, to experience all these changes but quite disorienting..i guess for me am just dreading the onset of the cold season and the ‘hibernation’ that happens as a result 🙂
it’s only my second summer but for sure, i don’t want to see it go! 🙂
But I appreciate the lesson therein – unless it goes, the next season won’t come. God is always doing something new, He’s never stagnant, never old, never stuck in yesterday. This lesson has been driven home, ever so deep by going through seasons here in the US
Floyd
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 6:58 pm
You have a great perspective Ngina. That attitude is contagious… We need to appreciate the gift of today, but you’re right, we need to strain toward the next season as we run our race of life for the One who paid for our souls… Thanks for the wise input.
Voni
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 9:51 pm
Ah, but the end of summer is a gift…a brand new beginning! I love September and the brand new beginning it offers. Same as January 1.
Actually, each sunrise is a gift of new beginning from God.
Blessings,
Voni
Floyd
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 6:38 am
I’m with you Voni, each eye opening to this world is a gift and calling from God. May we be diligent in our mission. I love the knew gifts, I hope not to take the current ones for granted. Thanks Voni.
Jay Cookingham
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 10:20 am
Summer time and the living is easy…..
I’m not morning the passing of summer, although I understand why many do. In my mind the seasonal changing of the guard keeps me from getting complacent. This fall, 2 of my young men leave home to their own adventures…it reminds me that time is short and I still have much work to do.
Thanks Bro’…good post…good thoughts shared.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 10:34 am
That’s a great perspective Jay, I’ll give it a shot… Once I’m done mourning…. !
Ann Cocktale
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 10:55 am
Floyd, as a retired teacher, I feel your daughter’s pain. There is nothing like the freedom of summer. You expressed this so well. It’s special when Dads understand their daughters.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
Thanks Ann. As a retired teacher you’ve had to look into thousands of those eyes! I can’t even imagine it. Even though it’s been a long time, I remember. The seasons pass to fast…
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 8:52 pm
I don’t remember being that upset about summer ending. In those many years ago, school didn’t begin until the day after Labor Day. Now so many begin in mid-August. That truly IS summer. For the last many-years, I’ve loved September, so I always look forward to that coming into place. BUT, my grandkids are feeling just as you described. They feel yukky, frustrated… and add to that the fact that all 5 of the kids, including 3 highschoolers are changing school, b/c their dad moved to a different local town. Life can be tough. Sounds like you are a really neat and good-hearted dad. Thank you for being you.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:33 am
Thanks Joanne. I just remember the things of youth and am may be a little to sympathetic. It’s hard to relate to kids the wisdom we now possess. It truth I didn’t listen too well to my elders and try to communicate with my girls and the ones I coach in a different way. Sounds like you have your hands full with all those grandkids!
Nancy
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:13 am
I must be weird. I used to look forward to school starting! I loved school. That settles it, I AM weird!
When I homeschooled my kids, we took a small break, but not a whole summer. We took other breaks here and there throughout the year and that helped. I loved the flexibility. Those times were intense and packed with a lot of everyday-life.
While I thought I couldn’t wait for it to be over, I do miss some aspects. My only regret is that I also had to maintain a job too. It was somewhat flexible and I could work from home some, but it really stretched me. I wish I could have been more present to the kids. Thanks to God for HIS covering. He told me HE would be a good mother through me and I took Him up on that!
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 9:42 am
What an awesome legacy your living for your loved ones! It is inspiring… But, I think maybe you are a little weird! But you know what they say, “Takes one to know one!” It’s my honor to share that title with you!
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 11:59 am
Life is a series of mourning over losses and grace for new beginnings. It’s funny that we sometimes want to (or just do) get stuck in one area, but we need both. The mourning prepares us for morning. Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. I feel your heart, brother! I’m not as far along with my kids, but it’s moving very fast. Thanks for the reminder, Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 2:44 pm
Thanks Jason. “Mourning prepares us for morning.” Brother that’ll preach! We just need to keep our eyes on Him, everything else takes care of itself…
Saleslady371
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 4:05 pm
I enjoy your sensitive heart. You’re a dad that really feels those end-of-the season blues!
Floyd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 5:19 pm
I do, but probably due to the fact that I remember vividly the dreading of school. Wish I would have had a little less attention issues.
Saleslady371
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 @ 4:07 pm
I enjoy your sensitive heart. You’re a dad that really understands those end-of-the-season blues!
Diane
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:18 pm
Wonderful read! Thanks for posting!
Floyd
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 6:43 pm
Thanks Diane, now you get to see it in your grandkids.