Dear Summer,

I know you don’t want to go, and believe me, I’d go wherever you’re going if I could, but it’s time to say goodbye.

Seriously. Stop being so wonderful.  You should go.  I’m sure there are things I should be doing instead of enjoying your sunny, fun company; responsible things like grading this pile of Reading Responses and making a very dry lesson on Study Skills somehow engaging.  I know, it’s the stuff I live for.  But you don’t.  So go.  Go be Summer somewhere else.

We’ve had an indelible, beautiful time June, July, August – all three of you; and although in a year I will see you again, we both know it won’t be the same.

What with Garrett entering high school and Luke embarking on middle school, Natalie headed to third grade, my time with them is, at best, limited. It might happen that next year brings another fun-filled family-centered 10 weeks, with 3 kids who still want to spend time with us, chucking around a frisbee, mastering handstands underwater, racing to first base in kickball, racing to the bottom of a waterslide, racing for the best seat on the couch, snuggled up around the campfire.

But then again, maybe it won’t.

And in case it doesn’t, I write to say thank you, Summer, I am grateful for these gifts you gave me.