Last Days Of Summer

As my focus shift from the spontaneous, adventurous mood of Summer to a more structured routine of back to school activities, my family and I went to our favorite beach to finally say goodbye. One last fun, relaxing time by its playful waters. One last surf and laughter under its warm, radiant Sun. One last walk along our favorite seawall. One last piece of Calamari at Jimmy’s. One last Summer story to make, celebrate and forever cherish in memory.

I woke up early Friday morning preparing our picnic food of Plantain, papaya, cheese omelette with spinach, hotdogs and edamame. My wife and son were still asleep and I was hoping to surprise them with an unplanned trip at the beach.

We reached the Galveston State Park close to lunch time. I was so hungry but I had to set aside my growling stomach to swim with my little surfer. He loves the beach and this is one place I see his face lights up with pure joy. Seeing him happy, makes me and my wife happy. As I closed my eyes to capture a mental picture of the moment, I heard his excited voice shouting, “Yahoo!” Then I felt a splashed of cold water hit my face, as two small feet jumped into a pool of seawater next to me. My son staring at me with a naughty smile holding his body board said, “Dad, let’s go. I need to catch my wave.”

Summer is a perfect time to focus, refocus on the many events and seasons in our lives. It gives us a moment to escape the craziness of our world. To relax, reflect, reorganize our thoughts. To look back on the things gone wrong, review and reshape the present, to create new plans for the future. It gives us a chance to heal and make sense of the many storms we had to endure this year. Summer is more than just experiencing that perfect dream vacation. Summer is finding meaning and purpose. Of collecting precious treasures and memories as many as the sands we walk on along its shores.

I smiled happily as my wife blew her birthday candle. We then both  followed by my son dipping his face on the cake. Quietly, I told myself, “Another beautiful Summer.” As I shared with them the delicious chocolate cake, I felt so thankful for having them to spend the many seasons of my life. Despite of a few rough waves we went through this year, so much blessings came out pouring like Summer’s unexpected, refreshing rain.

I may have said goodbye to Summer but it doesn’t mean I have to stop reliving the many wonderful stories it gave me and my family. I can still keep believing on the little miracles it creates. Miracles that will keep each Summer alive.

Thank you for sharing my Summer adventures. You all inspire me to make each of my Summer the best one there is.

How did you celebrate the last days of your Summer?

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