Happy Birthday Summer – July 2025

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We were at the Mackinaw Valley Winery on Father’s Day, and I was having a conversation with Dawn.  I said, “I hate that this blog is me just sounding depressed about Summer all the time”.  She assured me that this was not the case, but I look back a the cover photos and I feel like it looks like a big page of “downer posts”.

Then again, we do have the right to roll around in our pity every once and a while.  We (Ang and I) have certainly tried to keep a brave face as we travel and use Summer’s spirit as inspiration.  But, under all of that bravado, is a constant ache for the old days.  I would be much happier, and Angela as well, if we didn’t feel like we were always trying to prove something.  That said, Angela and Summer were always in competition for Jr Ranger badges, so there is a little bit of honesty in the recent adventures we have found ourselves on.

With all that said, I did want to make a special post reminding myself and everyone else that we are still here.  July 16th was/is/will always be Summer’s birthday.

Here is a little video reminder of life two years ahead her cancer diagnosis.

5 thoughts on “Happy Birthday Summer – July 2025”

  3. I think you sell yourselves short. I dont see your travels as “trying to prove anything”. I see them as a couple dealing with grief the best way they can…by honoring a life gone too soon. I get the feeling that you think you are not entitled to happiness or joy now that Summer is no longer with you. But ask yourselves this…DO you TRULY THINK she would want to be the reason that you can not move on and live your lives with happiness and WONDERFUL MEMORIES of her? I doubt it. That rambunctious gypsy you had for a daughter lived her life to the fullest and would expect no less of you! Grief never disappears, it just changes. It remains for all time. It makes you who you are
    ..the giving couple who honor your daughter every time someone gets a scholarship in her name. I am sure she is smiling down on you saying WELL DONE, MOM AND DAD!

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