Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Summer Days

Finally got my nerve up, and sent the children to one of those sleep away camps.

"Pack your bags, grab a pillow. Remember your hiking boots! You kids are going to camp this summer."

Honestly, I am one of those selfish mothers, and I cannot bear to be parted from my children. I like to have them in earshot. I want to watch movies with them, and splash in cold, decaying swimming pools with them. I enjoy seeing them scramble eggs for dinner, and hearing them read aloud, by flashlight. It wouldn't be summer if we weren't home, spitting watermelon seeds, then chasing each other with high powered assault water weapons. Friends come by, and we make our projects. We live, happily, yet with the dread of that unspoken day, looming, encroaching... the last day of summer. And so, I hoard the minutes and days, when I do not have to be parted from these children of ours, when we can toil together, or abandon duties, play and laugh.

But I know... there are traditions, and quintessential experiences of summer that they should not be denied. Camp. Summer camp, leaving home, facing unknown challenges, climbing obstacles, meeting new people, learning new songs. And it's right that I should facilitate opportunities for our children to know some of these rites of passage. And that is why I consented, and sent the children away...

Go! Go, children! Be free! Camp! Take only what is essential, follow a road less traveled, and if you get the chance, write home... let us know you are well. We will miss you.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

ha ha ha ha! Snark a-hoy my cheating friend - Snark ahoy!

Jennifer
California

valleycampdurango said...

are they coming to me?????

i will meet them half way!

we will sing and hike and frolic in the mountains!

but wait dear, you can come too!

nikkipolani said...

Too Much Fun. Best send-off ever :-)

Anonymous said...

Have tent, will travel!

Jennifer said...

Nothing better than the open road, and your home on your back....

judy in ky said...

You have very lucky children.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Are you suggesting "next door" camp outs don't count?!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Okay. This should happen. I'm kind of stoked just knowing you'd take us in!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Simple pleasures are the best.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Exactly!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Well put....hahaha!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Both ways, Judy... Both ways. I feel lucky knowing them.