Things I Love About Summer: Part 5

It really has been a pretty good summer even with how busy it has been.  I have been able to enjoy some of the things that make summer what it is.  Quick trips are one thing I love about summer.  Over the 4th of July weekend, I was able to make a trip to see my mom in Indiana.  She moved there several years ago to be closer to my sister and moved into a complex a step above assisted living. 

I try to see her two or three times a year, wishing it could be more as we are thankful to still have her with us, but a few times is better than none.   

I got to help her pick up her apartment a little, go through some papers, visit with some other residents, and have dinner together.  We were going to watch fireworks on T.V., but we got so hung up in conversation that we both forgot to turn the television on.  She asked me a question that really threw me for a loop, but it was a good reflection for me. She asked me what I want to accomplish in this stage of life.  This question forced me to sit back and think.  My gut response was just to make it through each day.  I see retirement in the near future, like the light is just now shining at the end of the tunnel, but, yeah, it is still a trip to get there.  

After some nervous laughter and thinking, my best answer is to help my daughters through the next steps in their lives.  They will both be freshmen this fall, one in college and one in high school.  I have spent a lot of time this summer preparing myself for this change, but my mom's question kind of changed my perspective.  

I don't get this kind of visit any other time of year, because there is the worry of hurrying back to work. 
Or, something about the short days of winter just doesn't encourage sitting back and taking time.  

Part of the joy of small summer trips like this is the drive.  It was a seriously hot and humid set of days, so there were a lot of trucks with blown-out tires from the searing hot pavement.  This image doesn't exactly summon up feelings of summer relaxation, but the drive on a hot, sunny summer day with blue skies and puffy white clouds do shape together a relaxing day.  I had time to reflect on my time with my mom and look forward to what is ahead.  There aren't many times in the year where I allow myself to relax like summertime, which is why quick summer trips are one of the things I love about summer.