Here it is, the cusp of summer. Brimming with hope, promise, change, release. There is a fullness to this time of year akin to the heavy sweetness of the ripest peach, or of a hot summer night with the cleansing of thunder brewing in the distance.
As school ends, we prepare to say good bye to the kids for the summer. This is always such a difficult, bittersweet time for Matt and I. For 10 months, we are a whirlwind, a gentle chaos, a frenzy of life, activity, love, family. Sometimes it's a sweet sail on calm waters, other times, it's surfing and just trying to ride the wave. It all builds every year to a peak, to celebrations, transition, feeling our solid groove as a family.
And then, a goodbye. We send our children off into the arms and homes of their other parents, and we do so with love, grace, and blessings for a bright and wonderful summer. There will be tears after-- there always are when we return to the profound, radical silence that descends for summer break-- but we send them off with big smiles, grateful hearts, and genuine appreciation for the variety of life and experiences that their lives hold. I am grateful to the fierce love and dedication of our exes-- our co-parents-- and their partners, and all the beautify and joy they share in their lives as well. Our resilient, big-hearted, wonderful kids- they are a special breed in this world, these children of divorce. They have challenges I never even dreamed of (or were my nightmares) as a child, but opportunities for growth and empathy, compassion and strength, that are borne out of their circumstances. I'm in awe of our kids.
Summer, I love you! I look forward to that time reconnecting with my husband. I look forward to the incredible changes we're about to make as we embark on moving to a home we buy together. I look forward to the radical wild freedom of Northwest summer adventures, dusty trails, river breezes, and the smell of glaciers and thick cedar forests. To sun, thunder, rain, waves. I look forward to nights spent exploring Portland by bike, music in new places, found tastes and sensory travels in our back yard.
But already, I look forward to knowing that at the end of summer, once again, the din returns. The chaos flows back in sweet like honey, abrupt, wild, wonderful. I can't wait to see who my children have become over the summer, and revel in their adventures and growth. I am excited to watch us come back together, knit the next chapter, and hold the space for each other as we grow and learn.
I cherish the beautiful balance of my life, ever continually learning, appreciating, becoming,
