Wasn’t it just the end of the school year? Weren’t we just all highly anticipating the summer of 2012? I thought so. Where did it go? I don’t know if it’s because I’m older or because it’s a sign of the times but am I the only one who finds the days going by at warp speed?
Regardless of how fast the time went by, the summer of 2012 was one of the best yet; in many ways. The Home of our Hearts, Cape Breton Island, saw a summer unlike any we have seen in over 20 years. The weather was certainly the topic of conversation. Wonderfully warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and very little precipitation meant days upon days of being outdoors and being able to engage in many activities out in summer’s heat. I don’t think anyone had “bad weather” for their vacation this year. Definitely a welcomed change over the past few summers. We deserved it!
Team Hilliard was equally as fortunate. Marcus couldn’t get out of bed early enough in the mornings. He spent hours upon hours outside “playing” and has the tan to prove it. That’s the way summer should be; the way I remember summers as a child. Meals were irregular, bedtimes were helter-skelter and smiles were in great abundance.
Matt expanded a new interest to his bird watching. For the first time ever the Hilliard home was surrounded by the beauty of many different flowers and plants. Matthew found his green thumb and with the help of his Papa and Uncle Tom, he dove in head first. Hanging baskets, planters, ground cover and other greens became a common and colourful sight along our property. His attention to detail, his commitment and his genuine love exploded around our yard and throughout our neighbourhood. I think he was most excited and proud when people started stopping by and telling him how great his flowers looked. I was so thrilled for him. Even when we went on vacation he had my Dad and his uncle all lined up to take care of watering duties. And he made sure to get progress reports as we were enjoying our time in Ontario. Here’s a look at a couple of his prized possessions.
Mike spent the summer strengthening his knee and working on his weight loss. He was able to return to work through a program that aided in his recovery. Placed on restrictions but still with his crew, it was great to see him back with his shift. What a welcomed change after a long 6 months. It was an extra boost to have the support from those he works closest with. August ended for him with his knee surgery and a determination on his part to be back to full duties sooner rather than later. Now that the injury has been fixed he’s full-steam ahead. Get the knee strong again so he can get back to doing what he does is all that’s on his mind. I can’t say I blame him. 8 months is a long time to be laid-up and away from something you love doing. His attitude has remained tremendous through it all remarkably. He grabbed the bull by the horns and decided that he had to turn this around in his favour. He’s committed to improving his lifestyle and his health. It’s been a hard go with a bummed leg, but even with the limitations he has seen the weight come off. I love watching his determination and his accomplishments. Out of all bad, good came shine through.
For the second year in a row we descended upon Silver Lake. Our private paradise lasted a few days longer this year and brought many more wonderful memories. Matthew and Marcus struggled a few times with being in each other’s space continually for 8 days but hey, squabbling siblings go hand-in-hand with family vacation, right?? LOL
Now it’s Labour Day weekend. Back to school, schedules, routines and who-knows what else. I’m cautiously optimistic that our wonderful summer paved the way for an equally as wonderful school year for Matthew. He is after all in grade 9 this year – top dog of the junior high school level. It seems like yesterday that he was entering a new school not knowing what stood around the next corner and now here he is almost eager to get this last year in junior high under way. Even though he got off to a rough start in grade 8 a lot of foundation has been built already for his upcoming academic year. Foundation that he is comfortable with and strategies that will benefit him right from the get-go. Fingers crossed for a great year – he certainly deserves it after last year.
So nothing terribly “over the top” to report over the summer but lots of stuff that matters. The little things that make the big picture a lot brighter. Isn’t that what’s it all about?
As I return to our last long weekend of the summer my wish is that you had a summer worth remembering as well. For Team Hilliard it was certainly a “Don’t be sad it’s over; be happy it happened” summer.
Until next time…
An Angel's Island 