This summer, I've decided to document and photograph as many moments as possible. New friendships, revisited friendships, & strengthened friendships seem to be springing up like wildflowers. The comfort of a fellow soul is just as warm as a summer night. The feeling is just right.
There are other reasons why the summer has a special meaning to me. The season symbolizes the start of my relationship with Leo. It is also the season that I lost my mom to breast cancer. Ten years after her death, I have finally learned that death ends a life, but it does not end my relationship with her. For years, I've always viewed her as being in an unreachable place, but I realize now that she will always be all around me. I feel it.
Experiencing the loss of such an important figure, I made a promise to myself to live life meaningfully. Loved ones, friends, family, and my dog bring meaning to my life. Traveling, reading, and writing bring meaning to my life. I've limited the negativity and the drama as much as possible. It's important to be genuinely kind, giving, and forgiving. However, I also have my moments of bitterness and regression; these are all parts of the human experience. In every story, the good will always win out.
As an aspiring writer, I must continue to jot down my thoughts until the GREAT inspiration hits. The kind of inspiration that flows uncontrollably. Inspiration that is mixed with goodness, innocence, selflessness, love, and as always, the kind of inspiration that carries a message of hope.
I admit that this post is nostalgic and corny. So here's a little update on Eddie, my Golden. For Eddie, the summer represents sleeping on the cool, tiled, kitchen floor. It also represents 4th of July when he'll run into the bathroom and hide in the bathtub from the evil fireworks. It means lingering doggy farts. It also means more trips to the dog park to hang out with his fellow canine friends.
