The Uniqueness that Is Summer

The hot, steamy days we have been experiencing remind us we are in the middle of another Georgia summer. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My enjoyment of summer goes back to my childhood, as I’m sure it does for many of you. When we were young, summer meant an extended break from school and until you were old enough for that first summer job it meant the ultimate in being lazy, watching television, going swimming or doing just about anything you wanted (or your parents would allow).

Summer, to me, has always meant longer days, great weather and a replenishing of the soul. We have more time to be outside doing things we enjoy from swimming to camping to walking to yard work.

I also long for those summers of my youth when I literally didn’t have a care in the world. I remember counting down the days until the school year was over up to three months in advance.

Today, summer is a little different of course. As adults, we often don’t notice summer except for the fact there might be a little less traffic on the roads in the morning. No longer do we have to worry about getting caught behind school buses on a commute to and from work.

I noticed on Facebook last week how our local 4-H members ventured to camp. I commented how I was sure the young people would make lasting memories and lasting friendships, just as I did back in my youth during those treks to camp.

I only wish there was some way to bottle up that feeling of enjoying summer as a child. If somehow we could go back — even if only for a week or a day — and experience it all once again.

For today’s youth, summer is not quite what it was maybe a generation or two ago. The summer break from school gets seemingly shorter and shorter each year. School begins in early August for many. At one time if a new school year began in late August it was considered early. Now practically all students are back in the classroom by then.

There are arguments for shorter summer vacations. Students have more time off throughout the school year now than when I was in school, but I’m not sure starting school in early August is really practical.

For today’s young people I encourage you to enjoy summer—or what’s left of it—while you can. For me, I will enjoy getting home with the sun still shining and memories of summers past while also enjoying the one of 2017.

Monticello native Chris Bridges is a long-time newspaper columnist. He welcomes feedback from readers of The Monticello News at pchrisbridges@gmail.com.