Maria Garcia Erickson

By Maria Erickson, Carl Enson, Bennett Barthelemy, Peggy La Cerra, Robell Bassett I am so glad people get out and enjoy nature- hiking on a trail, visiting a beautiful park, or swimming in the ocean after sunbathing on a warm, sandy beach. I never understood those who bring a loud boom box along. I would think that defeats the whole purpose. People nearby who came for peace and quiet are forced to move away just to enjoy their surroundings.

Parents with school-aged children have a very cool backstage pass. Well, it’s more like a front-row seat. It is a front-row seat that’s a window into wonder and ever-shining hope for the future. While my husband and I have no children of our own, we are fortunate to have access to this front-row seat, thanks to family members who invite us to our nephews’ and nieces’ school events and kid activities.

Yes, summer ended months ago – but, journey back with me for just a (perhaps, warmer) memory. For many, summer camp is a time for outdoor adventure and memories made in canoes and kayaks, swimming with friends, learning how to make knots you’d never think to use, or some kind of woodsy craft. It was a place where summer seemed to last forever. Many get to experience summer camp growing up, a part of treasured childhood memories – but not for me.