I remember summer vacation as a child. The last week of school would be filled with laughter and field days, and we’d dash out of the doors on the final afternoon to a world full of possibility and heavy with the promise of countless free hours. There was nothing more magical than stepping out of your front door on a weekday morning with absolutely nothing planned. Summer was catching lightning bugs, skipping rocks, and playing endless games of neighborhood hide and seek. The days were hot, humid, and best spent in a pool or a pond.
 

I wonder if my last day of work before retirement is going to capture that same feeling as the last day of school. I hope so. I want to believe that the free time will be full of potential and excitement. I know the first few months will be filled with traveling. My husband and I have planned trips out west, and I’m looking forward to seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time in my life. The Redwoods and the vineyards are also awaiting our arrival. With no deadlines and no obligations, the possibilities are actually endless. We’ve dreamed of visiting Europe, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and maybe even seeing Alaska. In this way, the upcoming last day of work is definitely reminiscent of those school days.

One month stretches between the now and that final day. One month to wrap up projects, prep my replacement, and enjoy long lunches with coworkers. I know a retirement party is in the works, although I can tell that my family, friends, and coworkers are trying to keep it quiet. I act like I don’t notice the whispered conversations and conspiratorial glances. One month left of early mornings. One month left of Vice President Tina. Unlike those long ago school days, these hours are flying by. Also unlike those school days, this month is bittersweet. The unbridled enthusiasm of my childhood has been tempered by experience, and I know enough now to appreciate what I have and recognize what I’ll miss.

My grandkids started summer break this week. Cable tv, tablets, and smart phones are all cutting into their summer experience, but they still get their fair share of outdoor time. Tee ball and baseball dominate their afternoon schedules. They visit me a couple of times every week, and I love to hear the joy in their laughter. They can feel the freedom that this summer has granted them, and they are reveling in it. I like to watch them chase each other around the yard, tossing Frisbees and stretching their imagination as they pretend to be pirates or princesses or superheroes. This last month doesn’t weigh so heavy on my mind as I watch them celebrate summer and all of the wonder it brings. Their antics and optimism help me focus on the adventure ahead.

This morning I woke up, stepped outside and felt the softness of the morning. I could smell flowers blooming and the fresh cut grass from yesterday. Things have changed a lot since my childhood days, but those smells bring back the memories and the excitement that is summer vacation. So here’s to long days in the sun and looking to tomorrow. Here’s to summer.