Come the Summer Days and Reflections

Yesterday I wasn't thinking much about summer days.

It was cold, wet and somber. 

Still, the day turned out to be uplifting. 

When, in the same day, you attend the funeral of a close family friend and a graduation party for someone you helped escort to her first-ever day of formal school, emotions can fluctuate dramatically.

Still, good thoughts involved with each event can be and were inspiring.

  

In one case, I listened to reminders of the importance of a good friend along with reminiscence of vivid and funny events associated with long-lasting friendships.

I saw the sea of faces all listening and, most likely, silently reflecting a very real and universal theme:  we are seen and remembered differently by different people.

I'm guessing our family friend Cliff, throughout his life, maintained a unifying thread which all who attended could grasp.  

He was consistent as a leading figure in his family and with his friends. 

He was a jokester and, no matter what, he gave away his warm smile generously. 

Later, at the graduation party, held on a hillside overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, people had gathered at a barbecue to celebrate a milestone for Grace Meyer.  

Grace, who graduated with high honors in her Sandpoint High Class of 2019, will move on with her life as a student at Northern Arizona University this fall. 

I can say with confidence that I've known Grace since before she was born, and, yes, I walked with her and her mother Jenny to the door of what was then Selle Valley Bright Beginnings. 

Now known as Selle Valley Carden School, it's the little red country schoolhouse down the road, and Grace attended kindergarten there. 

Lots has happened since that day, and, happily, our paths have crossed many times. 

It was fun visiting with Grace who made a clear effort to spend time with all who had come.

Folks were definitely celebrating Grace's milestone in life, and, as with any similar event, old and new friends were enjoying the moment. 

I'm looking forward to seeing where Grace's personal journey takes her.  It's bound to be exciting. 

So, the rain and cold came yesterday, as did reflection. 

This morning, there's a definite sense of summer and literal reflections as I walk around the place.

Sun's out, blueberries are looking promising, the earth is clean from a few days of rain showers, and those four-layer days may have ended for a while. 

All in all, it's a beautiful morning and there's the promise of more beauty ahead.  

Happy Sunday.