I came home yesterday from an extended time in Elizabeth City. I had been away almost two weeks straight- really I spent the most of my summer with my daughter and her family. Now, I am back at the rabbitpatch, for suddenly . . .it is August ! . . .and I start school on Monday.
Brant came by just after I arrived home. He, Christian and I had supper together, which was a huge consolation, for me. Brant has been working in the area, but tomorrow, he leaves for good for Wake Forest. His little son is expected in September, after all. Sydney has been patient, throughout. . .and deserves a medal. How wonderful and anxious a time, it is, awaiting the birth of your first child. All mothers remember, though decades slip by. It may not seem so, but, without doubt, the “season with child” is that remarkable. I see the mother of my first grandson, fairly alight, with hopes and dreams, and it pleases me to no end, and I am filled with joy.
Last weekend, we had a gathering at the lake to celebrate the impending birth, of the first grandson. My sister, Connie hosted the affair and her husband, Mike cooked on the grill . After a satisfying meal, a lot of us headed to the lake for a swim. The water is crystal clear with a clean, white, sandy bottom. It is also a shallow lake, so we were able to walk a long ways out -even Lyla! Mama and Daddy sat in the shade and a cool breeze blew around them. After the swim, we all had ice cream. Little Brynn was passed around like a doll and Lyla was pleased to pass out popcorn and eat ice cream with little supervision.
The days afterwards dwindled by at an alarming pace. On one day, the girls and I took a very long stroll around the village. At some point, Lyla asked me, “Are we even still in Elizabeth City?” Not long after we got back, a horrific storm popped up. It was full of “straight line winds” that brought down branches and scattered everything not nailed down. Part of the town lost power. Jenny and I both love storms, but this one was cause for concern. It did pass quickly, leaving us somewhat bewildered, by its’ sudden fury.
Both of the girls love to swing. Lyla is quite accomplished now in this art. Some hours were spent under old the cypress singing, telling stories and swinging. Lyla and I made lists of birds and flowers she knew by name and sight. We recited her poems. What a goodly collection, we gathered, while Brynn cheered us on, clapping her little hands and squealing in delight.
One day, Lyla had a fever. She said her head hurt and later her stomach. She was so pitiful and slept a lot. Once she said to her mama “I don’t understand what happened,” through tears. Lyla has never been sick, so it was a shocking ordeal for her . A day or so later Brynn had a fever and was cranky. . . .and a few days later, Brynn started walking!
We had some visits with Aunt J -and Miss Thelma. One afternoon, Miss Thelma and I cooked together. Those were golden hours. Lyla and I watched Venus rise and the moon grow to its’ fullness. We listened to Andre Bocelli and one day, I made a new friend, who lives down the street, while the girls and I were on a walk. Will and Lyla picked a few figs from the little tree, that Lyla sings to. We went to the book store and ice cream parlors , Brynn learned to say “Lyla – and Lyla danced around the willow tree most days. . til suddenly it was August . . and the roses faded . . . and the dragonflies came.
These are some of the contents of my summer. I will not deny that I will sorely miss the liberty that affords me such pleasures. It does not bother me in the least, that I did not see distant shores, for I have found that I am most content in the company of loved ones. I needn’t stray far for “Divine” , for I am as close and surrounded as I can be, in the shade of an old tree. Venus shines most brilliantly, when I am holding Lylas’ hand and a sparse meal in the company of my daughter, is worth a Kings” ransom. There is wonder and enduring beauty -genuine and as rare as fine pearls, in the union of my parents. . . and joy, unbridled and without rival, as we await the birth of a child. I have listened to the dreams of my sons and sung songs to Brynn.
Surely, the summer, even in its’ haste, did not leave me empty handed, but instead bestowed gifts generously and without ceasing. Now, in the twilight of the season, I remember these things, fondly . . . and with gratitude.
It sounds like a wonderful summer with your family! I agree that we don’t need to travel far for happiness is with the company of those we love. Wishing you a fun and successful school year❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you dear!
LikeLike
Perfect ending to the hot,hot summer. Love you dear Rabbit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not a tan of the heat! I love you friend and still pray for you and your care for your parents. xoxo PS I miss dear Cob!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love having you here! Your joy and smile linger even after you leave, and make all our days brighter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your name didnt show up-but I bet I love you-thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice summary. You sound happy and content. Lucky you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a sweet season and I am truly blessed. thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh michelle. I have so much to learn from you! I have started back at school and am struggling to find the grace that you are so obviously brimming with! May your academic year be as fruitful and as full as your life with your beloved family🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am already mourning the liberty and tomorrow is the first day! I just can not get enough of my children and grandchildren-May we both have a blessed year. thank you dear Cathy
LikeLike
🌿🌼🐝
LikeLiked by 1 person
The best days are those spent with family. Such a lovely post. I was
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did not finish my comment before it posted itself. – Hope this school year is a good one for you. Love and hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lyrical poem to summer. I can’t believe how quickly it went – my holiday was all too short – but I am looking forward to fall, my favourite season. The best of luck as you return to the classroom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ahhh=I love the fall too. thank you so much and best wishes to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t believe how quick the Summer is passing by! Glad you’re creating memories with family/friends; it’s a priceless gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
you are so right- thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful summary of your summer! I wish you didn’t have to go back to school, though for the students’ sakes, I’m glad you will be their teacher.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you sweet Anne. love Michele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely summer you had, Now is time to enjoy the end of it in the rabbit patch💗
LikeLike
A lovely summer of simple pleasures, and as far as this green-bean Mainer is concerned, simple pleasures are best. What lovely post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Laurie. It does not surprise me at all-I think we are kindred.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed we are!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad your granddaughters are feeling better, and how exciting that Brynn is now walking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy about your first grandson arriving soon, Michele. Yes, summer has gone by so fast and it was good you spent the precious time with your family. Have a wonderful school year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Miriam-time does fly when you are having fun! Best wishes to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Surely it does, Michele!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have such a way with words Michele. You write from the heart and so eloquently, like a love song and a lullaby and a hymn. Thank you for the pleasure of reading it. xox
LikeLiked by 2 people
what beauty you give me in your kind words. Thank you my dear friend! xoxox
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely summer you had Michelle…time with family is our greatest gift indeed! May your return to school be surprisingly pleasant for you…I know you are a gift to your students! God’s best to you dear friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Jen-I sure wish I was spending more of my life with family, for I can not get my fill-but it seems this is what I m supposed to be doing now-and there is a good deal of pleasure in my job. Thank you friend-
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, Michele!
LikeLike
I’d say “yay” to Brynn’s first steps, but then I remember.
The only thing worse than chasing a toddler— is chasing two!
Best regards,
Paz
LikeLiked by 1 person