What We Need by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn 7

Dear Readers,

Last night, my daughter’s camp put on their camp play. The play is a highlight of the girls’ summer, and they look forward to it practically all year.

My daughter worked hard preparing for the play. She had the role of Achashveirosh, and she spent a lot of time memorizing her lines and acting out the role. She spent time before she went to bed, on evenings after camp and on Shabbos afternoons repeating the lines she had to say. At one point, she recorded her lines so she could listen to them while she walked on the boardwalk. And even though it was work memorizing so many lines, she enjoyed it. I could see the playful sparkle in her eyes as she “chastised” her advisors or ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows.

Last night, I was so proud watching her on stage. It was clear that her hard work had paid off.

But then, after the show was over and her special treat of creamy ice cream was consumed, she sat on the couch with us going over the event. “It was so amazing,” she said, “I even want to do it again right now! But I also feel sad because it’s all over. There’s nothing else to look forward to.”

I could understand her sentiment. Many times, in life, you build up and work towards something, and then, after attaining your goal, you feel lost without something to move towards.

I suggested to my daughter that she look back on the wonderful time she had practicing for the play with her friends. She could reminisce about the funny jokes they shared, the cool moves that they performed, and the inevitable “bloopers” that made their way into the performance. Remembering the great times they had could keep her enthused for the next few weeks until school begins.

Today, when I sat outside waiting for my other daughter’s carpool, I relished the cool breeze in the air. It was the perfect weather to enjoy the day. There was no humidity, no scorching temperatures, no bugs in the air. But then I realized that perhaps this balmy weather was a prelude to fall; perhaps it was a hint that the summer was over. And I felt sad. Could it be that the summer flew by so fast? Was that it? It is over already?

But then I remembered my conversation with my daughter last night. Yes, the summer is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take it with us.

Over the next few days and weeks, as summer winds down, remember the carefree days the kids had in camp, the wonderful time you spent outdoors, the meals you dined al fresco. Remember the relaxed vibe that is synonymous with summer days – and relive it over and over again.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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