A Summer to Remember

By Carol Meyer

​I think we all would agree that in many ways this was the summer that wasn't, or at least that was far different from anything else we have ever known -- making vacation plans close to home, if at all; social distancing at the beach; missing so much the canceled traditional live Fourth of July fireworks and parade; wearing face masks while waiting in line for ice cream; and on and on we could go.

But, like this photo, the sun peeked its head through the clouds on many days throughout the summer, in a manner of speaking as well as in real life -- beautiful sunny days, colorful yard flowers adding a cheerful touch, more hours to read and just THINK!, more family time, and many opportunities to help others -- whether sewing face masks, picking up groceries for a neighbor who couldn't get out, or making that phone call you had been meaning to make to add a bright touch to someone's day that you didn't have time to do before.

And despite the challenges, we made it through. And most of us can be grateful for a place to live, food to eat, family and friends to brighten our days, and many other things.

That said, there are people in our own community who are struggling right now -- with unemployment, not enough money to pay their bills,  depression and sadness, illness, not enough food for their family's table, and other troubling issues.

​Let's continue to be aware of everything and everyone around us and be ready to share a smile, donations to the local food pantry, words of encouragement and support, a home-cooked meal, gift cards, rides to an appointment or the grocery store, and other opportunities to give that come to mind.
As we often hear, we WILL get through this -- working together.

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