What happened, you ask?
This summer happened. It was one of the most boring and uneventful summers ever. There was literally nothing of major interest to report. Oh, I had some adventures in life and love and parenting, but aside from a couple of trips to Houston, my boys didn't really do much this summer.
Here's a brief recap:
In June, I went to Pennsylvania for a few days. I tagged along on a business trip with a guy I think is pretty fantastic. I was apprehensive, I'll admit...because I don't allow myself to "feel" feelings for anyone, but by the end of the trip, I was feeling, not because I felt like I had to or needed to, but because I genuinely wanted to. And that, my friends, is a fantastic feeling. We flew into Baltimore, then took a trip to Gettysburg. He had a couple of meetings, so I did some reading/relaxing while he was working. We stayed in Johnstown for another meeting (site of the devastating Johnstown flood of 1889), and also went to the United 93 Memorial, which is part of the reason why I decided to post today (but I'll get to that in a minute). We ended our trip with a stay in Hershey, complete with a visit to the Hershey Museum, which was a total blast...even for someone who isn't a huge chocolate fan. It was relaxing and fun and just what I needed since I was kind of on the fence with this whole potential relationship thing (again, I'll get to that in a minute or maybe a day or two).
This summer, B alternated two week blocks between my house and his dad's house, and when he was at his dad's house, he went to a "day camp" where they did a lot of gymnastic-ish activities. Halfway through the summer, B opted out of swimming everyday and started spending 8 hours a day in the gym. He's all about gymnastics now, and loving every minute. I'm loving that he has an outlet for his energy, because let's face it: as cute as he looked in that baseball uniform, there was entirely too much down time for him on the field and in the dugout. The kid has to be on the move constantly.
N stayed with me pretty much all summer, except for a few days here and there when he went to his dad's or spent time with his grandmother. He wasn't too thrilled about it, and even asked me if he could lie about his summer to his friends. I feel for the kid, I really do, but I can think of a bunch of summers where I didn't do much of anything. He and I spent 10 days in Houston towards the middle/end of July, hanging out with my dad. We went to a Sugarland Skeeters game with my dad, Stella, and my sister/brother-in-law, and had a great time. By the end of the game, N and David (my brother-in-law) were entertaining our section (and possibly several others) with all of the Beastie Boys songs they both knew. It was impressive. And loud.
We did Kaboomtown for July 3 (per usual) and had a great time. The boys and I went to see Despicable Me 2 with "Ahem," and then headed to stake out our spot. I sent them off to do something inside and hung out in the heat with my mom, reading a book, and glaring at people who tried to infringe on our territory. My cousins came to join the party, and when the boys were back, it was a lot of fun. The airshow is one of the best aspects of Kaboomtown, and "Ahem" is adorably obsessed with planes, fitting since he works in the industry. They were literally flying directly overhead, and it was fun to watch all of the guys in our group just staring, transfixed, at the sky above.
I also turned 32 this summer. I know. It was awesome. Actually, my birthday was less than great, but at some point, I have to grow up and realize that it's just another day. I'm figuring that'll happen when I'm 80. Maybe. Although the day was mostly a bust, "Ahem" and I went out for dinner and a movie, and he showed up with Gerber Daisies, which are my absolute favorite. Major points, for sure. The next morning, he and I went to Six Flags right when they opened, and rode all of the rides we wanted to ride that our kids weren't tall enough to ride. It was super fun! We ended the day with the Texas Giant...and then, three days later, that poor woman fell to her death while riding it. Such a sad story.
I found an extremely part-time job, where I only work two days a week while my boys are in school. My work schedule follows the school district calendar, so I'm off when they're off, and it's just been a huge blessing to have that something extra in my life. I'm taking a full course-load: 14 hours, in hopes that I'll be finished with a Science degree this spring/first summer semester. I'm also room mom (again) for 2A, which will be interesting doing it for the entire year (instead of just a few months), and team mom for N's baseball team: the Ironbirds. It will be a busy semester, and I'm glad for that...because I need the distraction. I thrive on chaos, apparently.
Now...for the United 93 Memorial. It was, by far, the most sobering place I've ever been. I've been to Arlington National Cemetery, and been moved to tears by the sheer number of graves in one place, but this? This was a random field in the middle of rural Pennsylvania. The crew and passengers of that plane are some pretty serious heroes in my book. They were able to find out from various loved ones what had already happened in New York and at the Pentagon and, after taking a vote, decided they wouldn't let another innocent life be taken, even if it meant losing their own. That is the definition of a hero. They overpowered the terrorists and died in a way I can't possibly imagine. Pulling into the entrance of this monument to their bravery, it just feels different. Walking down the sidewalk, lined with a black granite wall, the only thing separating visitors from the field where those 40 individuals rest, my eyes filled with tears...and stayed that way for the duration of my visit. The wall had cutouts evenly spaced throughout the length of the wall, where people left small tokens or notes, thanking those who lost their lives and offering words of hope and encouragement to their families. At the end of the wall, there was a white marble wall, with each name engraved upon it. To the left, a large (locked) wooden gate. If opened, one could walk directly to the boulder surrounded by American flags, the marker to show the point of impact.
Even now, almost three months after my visit, I get choked up thinking about it. This morning, my boys and I sat on the couch, discussing the importance of this day. We've talked about it the last couple of years, but I don't think either of them fully understood what 9/11 meant. As a middle schooler, N is becoming increasingly more aware, and I have his Social Studies teacher to thank for that. I explained to them that there would be a moment of silence and their principals would read a statement before that moment of silence. I told them it was to remember the heroes that lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and we sat and looked at the information I brought home from the United 93 Memorial. We talked about bravery and honor and how Americans (and the entire world, for that matter) will never forget what happened on 9/11/2001...and then B said, "Wow, mom...that was before N was even born."
And I was overcome with sadness. My boys will never know the world I grew up in. They will never experience the carefree childhood I experienced because the world has become increasingly more evil. And I vowed then and there that I would start living life in the moment instead of focusing on the other stuff...the stuff that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I know I will fail at times, but the times that I'm successful? I hope those are the times my boys will remember.
Life is far too short to waste time worrying/wondering what could happen. It's a wonderful thing to dream and think about possibilities, but only focusing on that? Well, it's not reality. And sometimes, I just really wish it could be.
Aubs
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