SUMMER FUN
Summer was the time of year when we got to have a family fun time. The crops were planted, the calves were born, and the children were out of school which meant we could get away as a family. My parents were friends with the neighbors down the road from us. We often got together for day trips to the lake. In the late 50s, you could find a spot to park a boat and picnic, not like today when every place contains a hotel or condo complex. There weren’t hundreds of boats and people everywhere.
The neighbors had a ski boat and we would go waterskiing around the lake. It looked easy to do, but actually, it takes some skill and practice to get up out of the water and ski without falling. The boys were good at it and could do tricks; turning around backward, doing a 360, turning all the way around, even skiing barefoot without skis jumping over wake waves. I was happy to just get up and ski without falling. The longest distance I ever skied was 3 miles up to the dam and back.
Dad wanted mom to go with him but she didn’t like getting her hair wet. She was happy to stay on the bank lay in the sun and read a book. Dad kept bugging her and our neighbor said he could teach her how to take off from the bank and land on the bank and never get wet. Dad said he would take her to dinner in town without kids if she would try. Mom said she would try. It took her a few times but she got the hang of it. She could ski all around the lake come back to our camping spot and never even get her suit wet.
Dad kept his promise and took her to a fine restaurant in town for a date night. I stayed home with the kids, got them dinner, and into bed. I felt all grown up having been given the responsibility. After that, they went out every so often to have time without us kids tagging along.
Dad said it kept them young, they always came home laughing and went straight to their room. After I grew up with a family of my own I understood what those together times meant and how important they are.
My parents loved the farm, us kids, and each other. I have lots of happy memories of those times. We lost dad when I was 14 and mom when I was 23, but those memories have kept us kids close. We get together as often as we can and keep in touch by phone.
Families are God’s main plan. Are you close to yours? If not, life is too short not to. Call them today and reconnect. You will be happy about it. Even if you are not on the greatest of terms; be the one to call. In this age of turmoil, your family can be a great comfort.
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