So Long, Summer

I’ve always loved Summer.

It’s that time of year when you can wear shorts and T-shirts and sandals. And sleep with the windows open.

My Summer love affair started as it does with many people: As kids not in school during those three precious months – we were free to stay up late, sleep late, ride bikes, go swimming and have cool adventures with our friends in the neighborhood. Camping out. Tubing down the river.

In other words: Freedom.

I grew up in the Midwest, where Summer meant not only hot temperatures but also the dreaded HUMIDITY. Of course, growing up there meant I didn’t really know how bad the humidity was until I moved to the West and its dry, semi-desert conditions.

But as I grew up in the Midwest and started my working life, Summer began to lose its appeal. Walking around in long pants and dress shirts. Shirts that would become soaked with sweat between the time I left my office and when I opened the door of my car.

And that’s when the heat would really hit – unless you were lucky enough to find a shade tree to park under.

But yeah, even then…

Moving to and living in the West brought back some of my childhood Summer joy. For years, mostly low humidity and not-too-hot temperatures made for a lovely Summer experience.

But with the increasing onset of climate change, Summers in the West have become less paradisiacal. The extreme Summer heat – coupled with ongoing drought in many areas – has resulted in frequent raging wildfires that have destroyed so many homes and property and filled our noses with the acrid smell of smoke.

This past Summer – now almost gone – has been especially uncomfortable with temps above 90 most every day. Our daily dog walk must be done early in the day or after supper when the heat subsides.

I swear: There were many days this Summer when it was even TOO HOT to go swimming!

Recently, my wife and I were out walking our doggie and I realized Summer 2022 was almost over. I looked around and took in the incredible greenery of the trees and flaming colors of the flowers and plants in their peak Summer glory. And I realized – once again – how much I would miss those sights and smells come January.

Yes, Fall is almost here, and I do love it as well. I look forward to its cool days and changing leaf colors. Yet there is the bittersweet knowledge that Winter is sneaking up on me again as those brilliant Fall days pass by.

And that means coats and gloves and snow and ice and short, cold days. And bare trees looking naked and forlorn.

But right now, it’s still Summer. For a few more precious days.

So try to enjoy this season of life and sweet, growing things. Unless we humans can turn this climate-change-thing around, I can’t imagine what Summers 10 -- or even five years from now -- will be like.

Or if the children of the future will be able to enjoy it as much as I did.