Summer Blues

The summer of 2013 is almost over. Oh sure, the heat will be with us for weeks to come, but the slower pace of summer vacation is about to screech to a halt.  I've been trying to get up earlier each day for the last two weeks, but honestly -- if it isn't mandatory, it's hard to get anyone in my family motivated.

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Round Top, several movies, a few plays and a couple of family get together's.  But most of all, we enjoyed just being us.  A typical family -- not perfect, not always pleasant, sometimes (frequently) dysfunctional, but supportive. Caring. Silly. Goofy. Stressed. Tired. And normal.

What IS normal?  I got to know some new people this summer who have problems I can't pretend to understand: a mom who lost a child two years ago and is still grieving, but trying to carry on normally for the good of her family.  A special ed teacher who can't stand kids -- but acted her socks off in her favorite musical, and dealt with dozens of children with patience and humor along the way.  Young adults who are contemplating a future far more complicated than I could have handled at their age, but looking forward to better days without worry or regret.

Sure, we could have forced our kids to read dozens of books and get on a fitness routine to avoid becoming "soft."  We probably should have mowed the lawn more often, or cleaned the carpets.  I wish I had emptied a few closets of old clothes and toys that will never be played with again or fetch a single dollar on e-bay.

But we did what we do best.  We start each day with thanks for a new morning and a kiss on the cheek, and we go to bed each night with a full stomach and a grateful heart.

And whether it's summer or spring or Christmas or Talk Like a Pirate Day, that's good enough for me.

Now about Talk Like a Pirate Day -- is that normal?