Summer Memories

When I think about the summers of my childhood, I remember long days spent outside. I had a huge park right in front of my house and my mom would push us out the door in the morning with the comment, "Don't come back unless you're bleeding!"

I remember games of "Cops and Robbers" played between houses. I remember hours of swinging, climbing, looking for worms, mixing up mud and painting the rocks with it. I remember dancing in the rain on our patio and drawing with chalk on every flat surface!

I remember that I learned the hard way what happens when a bucket of crayons is left out on a hot summer day. (One big crayon, anyone?) I remember my mom mixing up dish soap to replenish our ever-waning supply of bubble solution.

These memories all changed once my family moved from my childhood home in Ohio to Oakmont. Suddenly I found myself to be 'the new girl' in town. The worst part was that it was July! I had no way of meeting anyone, as summer was already in full swing.

Somehow I managed, though. I made two friends, Barb and Tonya. From them, I have memories of walking up and down Oakmont with no real goal in mind. I remember walking the double set of railroad tracks (one of which has since been replaced with the walking trail).

I remember going to Stone's Pharmacy for my very first ice cream soda! We would wander the aisles of G C Murphy's, looking for treasures in the seemingly random collection of items for sale.

I remember going into the basement of Henry's Hobby Shop. It had a definite air of history amongst the trains and other collectable.s

It's been over 30 years since that move. I love my summertime memories from both of my childhood homes. Thanks to Facebook and serendipity, I still have contact with all of my friends from then...even the ones from Ohio.

And last weekend, Barb's daughter spent three days with my family, as she is friends with my youngest daughter. Funny how history repeats itself in the sweetest ways?

I hope my children will make some sweet summer memories this year. They won't get to roam Oakmont so freely, nor is it likely they will spend every waking moment outside (darn electronics!). As a working mom, I have to rely on a sitter and my family to care for my kids while they are out of school. I would love to give them a summer like I had, free to roam and play.

I would also love to hear your summer memories! Please share in the comments section.....