Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Farewell Letter to Summer

Posted on By jennifer

Dear Summer,

I woke up this morning a tad later than I did even two weeks ago.  More specifically, you woke me a tad later.  Every week, lately, you are a bit longer in making your first appearance and, sigh, I know that is a sign that you are slowly slipping away.  You are heading to places like Australia and other parts of the southern hemisphere.  I know they will be excited for your arrival, but I, for one, am always so sad to see you go.  You are my friend.  My emotional support, in many ways, and I wish you would stick around.  I know I am not in the majority on that opinion.  Many, if not most, are not only eager for autumn’s arrival but, actually, seem just plain excited to see you head south of the equator.

I will admit to your being especially fierce back in June.  The third warmest June in history.  That whole heat dome thing was oppressive.  I’m not sure mulitple 100+ days are really necessary.  Your stay this year set a lot of records.  In my state, this country and, literally around the world.  It was hot!  And I won’t even mention (to too many folks) your humdity.  It was intense this year.  Not exactly sure what you were thinking but you don’t exactly win friends and influence folks with all the humidity.  Just sayin.

Oh but your endless days of sunshine!!  Your sunshine just does my body good!!  Your first morning rays are my favorite.  Thank you for making my morning walks just so enjoyable.  Oh sure, mornings are pretty special all the time and those other seasons, well, they try.  But you really strut your stuff first thing in the morning and make the start of each day so special.  I am determined to keep up my walking habit but it will not be exactly the same.  The sunshine has so many health benefits but I have to admit your summer sunshine is the best.  Especially for my mental health.  It is probably the greatest reason I hate to see you leave.

Winter is depressing.  Winter makes me not only lethargic but just sad.  Winter is NOT my friend.  I so wish you could stick around and help me get through those dreary first few months of each year.  But just when I then the dreariness is going to completely overwhelm and win, your friend spring comes around the corner to remind me that you are, indeed, coming back.  You are so dependable!  Believe me, I will be waiting.

We had a good time this year.  There was the cruise in June (um, where were you hiding the sun that week?) and the trip to California at the begining of August.  My goodness but you really do show off on the west coast.  Almost like you are playing favorites!?  Hmm.  But, these past few months have always been challening in many ways.  Very challenging.  None of them your fault and, honestly, I’m not sure how I would have fared had they occured before you arrived.  Like I said, you were my friend and a huge help.

Plans with you next year are already being discussed.  Some sound really fun!  We are going to have a great time.  As always.  But, for now, I won’t be selfish.  Head south.  Warm those guys up.  Bring the joy.  But know that you will be missed.  I’ll go ahead and set out some mums and a few pumpkins.  I’ll try to get on board with all the pumpkin spice silliness.  Etc., etc.  But we all know where my heart really lies.  It is with you, summer.  You are my favorite.  Good-bye dear friend.  I will be counting the days until you return.

(Clingy) hugs until I see you next time,

Me:)

Life Lately

Comments (11)

  4. Beautiful post! I’m a summer girl. I love warm days and sunshine most of all. Once fall set in I’m all aboard. Now winter, the only good things are the first snow fall, Christmas, and the end. Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

  5. Awww, what a sweet ode to summer/the sun. I’m personally a bit ambivalent about the sunshine and hot days of summer. I like it in small doses. (Sort of like how I feel about the cold and winter.) I love being cozy inside my house and I dislike exercising in the heat so winter and dreary days are not too terrible sounding to me. But you made some very valid points about the sunshine and of course everyone is different with regard to their preferences. We know where you stand and it’s in the sunshine :).

  6. Oh my Jennifer, we are kindred spirits. I truly love summer. I have so many things I love about it. I always feel like I am alone in those thoughts. Well, my children are on my side. They see it just like I do. It represents fun times to us. I am not a winter girl. I have tried over the years to embrace it and see it as rest time, but I just don’t love it. I am always sad to see summer go and don’t get too excited about fall decor. Once I start letting it in I usually like it, but it is not the same for me as apparently it is for others. Not to mention I hate pumpkins spice anything!

  7. What a sweet blog post! I loved reading every word of this. Fall is my favorite season, but summer really is a close second. I’ve enjoyed the sunshine this summer as well, along with all the new memories I made after a terrible summer last year. This one felt like redemption. I might write my own version of something similar to this post…I’ll link to you for the original idea, though. Thanks for the inspiration! I hope this finds you well, my sunshine loving friend. Happy Tuesday!

  8. Jennifer, I love this! You are such a creative writer! I’m ready for autumn…which is good, since it’s on its way. Our high today isn’t to get out of the 60. I do have to confess that I burn more lights in the autumn/winter months, probably for the same reason that you dread seeing it arrive. I’ve already put out the autumn decor in the kitchen and a fall wreath on the front door…still need to do the living room, but it will get there. I’m trying to stay away from the traditional pumpkin decor and going more with just the colors that we associate with fall.

    Praying that you have a wonderful remainder to your week.

  9. Your farewell to summer was beautifully written, Jennifer. I am not a summer gal because of the heat and the humidity. I do miss the sunshine during the winter months, but use the time to rest and recharge.

  11. Oh I love this! I absolutely ditto your feelings. I mean I enjoy fall and I like spring but winter is not my favorite and I am a summer girl all the way.

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