August

 William Faulkner wrote a novel titled “Light in August” about a pregnant woman looking for the man who made her pregnant. Critics say it’s his best work.  I’ve never read it. I need to. Apparently “light in August” is a colloquial term for a pregnant woman.  It also refers to the atmospheric changes that occur every year in August.  

Something about the light is different.  It’s still hot, but the light is softer, less harsh.  Sometimes you can even feel a hint of fall in the air.  It doesn’t last long, but it’s definitely there.  It gives us hope that cooler temperatures are coming. 

August is not my favorite month.  As I’ve said, my son Dan died in August.  Every year when August comes around and school is starting, it brings back memories of that terrible day.  

But I also have good August memories.  My trip to Chicago and Milwaukee with Susan last year. I enjoyed that trip so much. Seeing the back-to-school pictures of my grandchildren. This year is a little bittersweet. My oldest granddaughter, Mary, is a senior this year, so this will be her last one. I have her first day of school pictures from every year all the way back to kindergarten.  I have most of Tatum’s and Atticus’s too. (Stephen sends me pictures, Lee doesn’t!) This year, Tatum is in seventh grade and is a cheerleader!  Atticus is in eighth and is in the band. I have a lot of ballgames to attend this fall to see my grands perform!  

But that’s okay.  I enjoy seeing them perform and having fun with their friends. I know I’ll want to go to Mary’s senior night. It’s her last year of dance.  She says she doesn’t want to try out in college.  I wish she would.  She’s that good.  

I love to sit outside in August and just look at the sky and sun. Soak in the light. Even though August brings up sad memories, these changes give me hope. Not just for cool weather, but hope that my grandchildren will have a better world than we have.  Hope that everyone I love will stay safe and healthy.  Hope that every day I can be a better person than I was the day before. Hope.That’s what the light in August gives me. 

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