Summer is...

Baseball

Hammocks

Sidewalk chalk

Memories

Snuggles

Friends

Creativity

Giggles

Smiles

The chance to be a kid

Her Tree

We came to see you today, the girls and I.  We hadn't been back since we planted your tree.   Maybe a part of me kept hoping that if I stayed away, you'd come back.  I'd wake up and find the last two months to have just been a horrible dream.

I miss you, more and more each day.  Each day the reality sets in a little more.  Some days, I can think of you and smile, sweet moments dancing across my mind.  Others are harder.  Much harder.  Like today.  Today, I miss you deeply.  I can't think of you without crying.  Or wishing for one more hug.

And so, we came to see your tree.

It's still small, like you.  Young, full of life, full of potential.  And beautiful.  Just like you.

It will grow quickly, we were told.   It will provide shade, protection for the thousands of children that will play in your favorite park through the years.  

There is beauty and new life beginning at your tree.  A tiny lady bug, just like the hundreds you found as a child.

A swarm of honey bees have discovered the tender, yellow-white blooms that cover your branches.  You would have loved the smell.

Your oldest niece stood with your tree for a long time, rubbing the bark, touching the leaves.  I think she feels closer to you here, as if you're still watching over her.

She misses you, deeply.

As do I.

I stood underneath your branches much longer than I expected to.  I didn't expect it to hurt like it did.  

I'm glad we came to see you today.  I have missed you.