The last time I can remember that I really truly enjoyed summer was when I was living in Norfolk, Virginia. That was summer 1991. I had been working out, and exercising, and for the first time I had a stylish strapless one piece bathing suit in a beautiful fuschia color. My son, Larry, was about 17 yrs old at the time and he and some friends loaded into the car and off we went to Virginia Beach to Rudee Inlet. I had one of those beach chairs and was enjoying basking in the sun, feeling the sun's rays on my body, listening to the waves, the sounds of childrens laughter and the sound of the lifeguard's whistle. Yes, I was totally enjoying myself. Larry and his friends of course were checking out the "babes" in between catching waves with their boogie boards. I guess we were there for about 3 hrs., then headed back to Norfolk.

In September 1992, I returned to my home state of Delaware, while Larry remained in Virginia. From that point in time until this summer of 2008 I can't say that any summer was what I would call "memorable." I didn't really do anything or go anywhere in particular, except perhaps day trips into Pennsylvania to the outlet shops or maybe a day trip to Rehoboth, known as "The Nation's Summer Capitol."

Rehoboth has a smaller boardwalk in comparison to Atlantic City, NJ, but it carries wonderful fragrances of Grotto's pizza, Gus's "beach" fries, and for dessert, there was Dolly's, home of salt water taffy and caramel popcorn. I've had salt water taffy from Atlantic City, Ocean City and the like, but nothing can compare to Dolly's. The shops that line the main circle leading to the boardwalk are wonderful, selling artwork, souveniers, tee shirts, jewelry made of shells, beachwear clothing, and the like. They have an area with rides for children, and a few night spots for the adults. Whenever I go, one thing is a must. I sit on a bench that has a reversible back so you can either sit facing the beach, or sit facing the boardwalk. I love watching people. People come in all sizes, shapes, ages, colors, some with walkers, some with canes, others in wheelchairs. It is kind of neat watching the people coming up from the beach to see their bathing attire, or how tan they looked from hours spent laying on beach towels or blankets.

Since 2003, I have been living with my brother, his wife, and their three children, as well as two dogs and one goldfish remaining, whose name is Sunny. I'm the one who cares for the animals, merely because I am home while everyone else is in school or at work. In four years, I've passed up numerous invites for summer vacations with my family, but have always declined. I felt I needed my vacation away from them, and it only made sense not to have to kennel two dogs and risk losing the remaining precious Sunny.

In 2002 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depression. Though I have been on medications, and see a psych doc regularly, I still battle anxiety and depression daily and sometimes because of my BPD, that depression and downward spiraling could last weeks to months. It would seem I might have a good day out of ten perhaps, if I was lucky.

So what made this year different? My medications were working like a charm. I was manic which gave me a good edge for keeping up with daily routines, but not so manic that I would crash and burn. The children are older now and had activities and weren't a problem to deal with and they actually became quite good company for me. I was able to alter my routine from inside chores enabling me to have free time for gardening, something I'm very passionate about. Then I also created time to use the in-ground pool in our backyard. I had gotten a new bathing suit for the summer, and had a self-image good enough for sunbathing. I started out with a 50 spf sunfactor (10 yrs. ago I would have used a 4 at max) for a week, then began using a 25 spf and worked down to a 4; and then added a tropical oil without sunfactor. I had a beautiful tan and for once my sister-in-law was jealous of me rather than the other way around.

I found cooking on the grill to be fun and easy rather than bothersome and time consuming.

I guess all-in-all, I was truly enjoying each and every day without threat of sitting like a zombie in front of the t.v. from depression, or stressed with anxiety to a point I'd rather be in my room (my safety zone). I can honestly say I had a great summer because for once the positives far outweighed the negatives.

I started feeling a little sad seeing leaves turning colors in some of the trees, the pool now covered until spring 2009, gardening isn't getting done because I've had more pressing things to take care of with my sister's husband getting sick, being hospitalized, and having surgery. I am feeling twinges of depression now because of changes in my routine. I feel demands in some areas with respect to meal preparations, laundry, etc. And within the last two weeks I was able to realize for myself that I was just going through "burn out." I had worked up to doing an incredible amount of physically challenging tasks and was able to recognize that I need a break. My body needs to relax and unwind so I feel somewhat rejuvenated. I find myself fatigued all the time as I'm not getting adequate sleep. And what that has to do with Summer's End I don't know?

I'm grateful that I enjoyed my summer. My brother and sister-in-law were thrilled that I took advantage of the pool and seemed pleased with all I was able to keep up with. So though I am sad to see summer go, the crisp fall air at night and in the mornings, along with the change of sunlight, shorter days, and the beauty of nature going through her changes make me glad to see summer's end.

Want to comment on this Short Stories? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Short Stories and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...