Summer Is The Turning Point In Our Lives
By Lauren Suval
The days bleed longer, embedded in bright light. We crave vitamin D and revel in the sun. It’s the onset of summer.
We wear less and sweat more, as the temperatures embody an intensity that warrants a break. A cold water break. A break from walking several blocks in the midst of a heat wave. A break in concentration to daydream. A break to succumb to chlorine in your friend’s backyard pool. A break in the ocean, encouraging the violent waves to still.
In the tranquility, reflection may ensue, thoughts could flourish.
My summers tend to ignite a turning point of sorts. A change that jolts me awake. Is there always a positive reaction, generating immediate happiness? Not necessarily. Sometimes, these summery transitions and uncomfortable periods force me to confront something that’s unpleasant and painful. However, that doesn’t mean the pieces won’t fall into place eventually. Resiliency is one of my favorite words; it sounds strong at the tip of the tongue. Steady.
Blood-sucking insects bite at dusk, around our ankles, underneath that sundress, wherever the flesh seems to be the most inviting. Gorge like a baby dinosaur on barbecue and fill up those paper plates with pasta salads, burnt veggies, and red meat, while pouring tall glasses of drinks with lemon or lime.
The fireworks cackle and produce thundering booms on the Fourth, and even if you’re alone, you’re not really alone, because somewhere in that moment, someone is igniting the firework that you’re hearing or observing; blues, pinks, purples, and reds flash in the sky. They appear in one instance, only to disappear in the next.
And that’s the thing. No matter, the turning point, no matter the change, the feelings associated with it all won’t last forever. So when I do encounter a shift that I originally deem as jarring, I can rest assured that I will move through it until it fades away.
Someone once told me that I should think of orchids. Orchids tend be rooted in some of the most ugliest places on earth, but they ultimately grow into beautiful flowers.
Orchids. Such a sweet thought for this summer.