Yesterday was probably our last beach picnic of the year.
As we see the leaves changing from my favourite glorious green to the vibrant orange and reds of fall, the end of my free reign arrives.
Summer is a time of freedom to me. It's when I can go out on my scooter, take my son to the park, the beach, or the library. I can sit outside wherever I please and read whatever book I am working my way through.
As the days get colder, I see that freedom fade to white. The snow comes, and I become trapped in my house for the long winter season. My scooter does not traverse the snow, and don’t even begin to ask how wheeling in my manual wheelchair goes.
Our summer was so full this year. We got to enjoy so many outdoor events and activities; one of our favourites is always the beach picnics my son and I take.
I like to make our dinner, pack it into little containers, and take the little jaunt out to our waterfront. We sit on the main pavilion and talk about anything with the slow sounds of the birds and the waves in the background.
Time stands still and it truly is one of my favourite things.
I started this tradition three summers ago, after the town came together and fundraised for my scooter. I was recently divorced and trying to find some way to enjoy the summer and spend time with my boy. I wanted a way to slow down in the summer and be outside with him, and the Ear Falls waterfront is such a beautiful place.
These beach picnics then became an integral part of our summers. We try to get out there once a week. Last year, for our final picnic of the season, we sprung for takeout, and the restaurant so sweetly gifted us our dinner.
Yesterday, amidst a week of rain and gloomy skies, the sun finally broke out and I seized my opportunity. I can see the end of our summer sneaking up on me, and I know what that means for my freedom.
I keep hearing the lyrics of one of my usual bedtime songs, Landslide: ‘Can I handle the seasons of my life?' I know that very soon we will be back to sitting on our couch with our dinners, watching whatever show my boy is into that week.
I hope all of you have enjoyed your summers as much as I did. I hope that you took in as much of the sunny days, and took time with your loved ones. Summers go by so fast, and I am so grateful to yesterday’s warm sunny gift of a day.
