Dear Summer,
You are about to end in a short two weeks. But, I know you'll still continue to make the sun shine for a while, especially here in Nashville where it remains "you" until October.
You really have outdone yourself this year.
You have shown me I can be confident in my own body. When I wear tank tops, I don't worry about showing my skin. When I wear a swim suit, I don't feel like I need to cover myself up, especially just to tan in my back yard.
You brought me lots of heat. Yes, 98 degree heat that makes me sweat bullets just walking a couple blocks to work. Heat that even though I put on make up, I know it'll wash off when I step out the front door. But that's okay, because I love the freckles you have given me and the tan lines. Just do me a favor, once classes start, maybe add a little breeze? It would be greatly appreciated.
You have truly shown me things don't come easy. Sometimes we have to fight for what we want and that's okay. Life isn't easy and it sure as hell isn't fair. But fighting for what you want makes it that much more amazing when you retrieve it.
You proved to me that family will always be there for you. When people leave, your family is beside you telling you it'll be okay. They are there to laugh with you until four in the morning a little drunk on wine. They are there to remind you what you deserve.
You brought me a lot of laughter. Midnight laughs in my family room or backyard, or even the kitchen. I had never truly laughed so hard until you began in June.
You proved to me that although the New Year is a fresh start, so is this. When you are near, it's the time to find myself again because I know I have the time to. It's setting goals for the year ahead, but also taking time to focus on myself and relax.
You have given me so much new love, love that I hope to continue to have.
There is nothing better than late night drives to get ice cream, dancing in the rain, sleeping in until noon, bonfires, and road trips. Because of you, Summer, you allow us to do these things. You allow us to catch lightning bugs outside, spend all night reading a book or watching a movie marathon, lay outside with a lemonade knowing it'll be hot in probably two minutes, and freedom.
A freedom we don't receive during the year when you are not here.
So thank you for freedom, friends, love, and happiness. Yes, sometimes I hate your heat and humidity but I'd take it any day for the rest of the things I continue to receive because of you.
Love,
A girl who wishes you could stay longer