Sadly Saying Goodbye To Summer

I’m not usually one to want summer to linger. And yes, I get that as a North Dakotan, this does make me a little strange. Usually, I cannot wait for fall and the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes, and all that comes with autumn.

This year is different and even though it has been one of the hottest summers we’ve had in a long time, I wouldn’t mind holding on to summer for just a couple more weeks. Or maybe even another month. I’m finding it truly odd that I feel this way. But I think I’m beginning to understand why.

My little family doesn’t normally do a lot during the summer months. We might go the park or down to the river, or go for walks, but that’s about it. And that used to bother me. I would look on Facebook and see everyone’s vacation photos and all the summer activities they’ve been involved in, and I would feel like I was missing out or something.

This year though, I became content with not doing much. That’s not really like me. I’m usually one to be right in the thick of things – where all the action is – not one to miss out. My husband teases me because when we go to the grocery store I even steer the van in the direction where all the rest of the vehicles are parked. He on the other hand tries to park as far away as possible from the rest of the cars. He says I automatically head right to where all the people are.

Even when it's a bit chilly, Faith likes hanging out on the patio

This summer Faith has gotten back to wanting to hang out on the patio behind our apartment building. Besides having visitors, or going to Grandma and Grandpa’s, it’s become one of her favorite things to do. She calls it “quality girl time” with me. She might be watching a DVD on her portable player and I might be reading a book, but it’s just the two us hanging out – and she loves that.

Sometimes we sing together, or I get up and dance just to make her laugh. Sometimes the little bunny that lives under our building comes out and she calls out, “Hi King Arthur” (which is what she named it). And since this is North Dakota, it’s often windy, and I have to go chasing after things when they get blown away. (Like for instance if I’m opening up the mail). The other day it began to rain, and at first it was just a few sprinkles so I thought we could stay outside, but then it started really coming down. We both laughed as I tried to pack everything up and get us back inside.

I have come to cherish these times with my daughter and this is what I don’t want to come to an end. Of course we can hang out together inside, but there is just something about sitting outside with her and enjoying the sunshine, the breeze, and even a snack (or two) together.

On Labor Day, we will be at my parents for a barbecue and that week we will also start homeschooling, which means summer will have officially ended. This year, that makes me a little sad. Soon the flurry of fall activities will be filling the calendar and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us. 

But before I know it, we will once again be wearing summer attire, listening to the birds, watching the people and their dogs go by, and soaking in every second of patio time that the summer months will allow.