I Cannot Adequately Express How Much I Love Summer

I do not have the words to adequately express the degree to which I completely and utterly love summer. For instance…

Last night, I hopped in my car at 10:15pm and drove down to the two-week-long summer festival in my town. It was the closing event of the final night. I knew I was going to arrive late for this last movie of the season. I also knew I was going to leave early. Just a half hour of enjoying this.

I really did. There I was with a snack of yogurt, seasonal strawberries and blueberries, and chocolate. I joined hundreds of people in my town, sitting outside to watch Wicked: Part 1. I couldn’t find any empty seats, so I just sat on the grass. This is not at all strange; others were doing the same. I took off my shoes, feeling the cool grass beneath my toes, and smiled when Elphaba finished singing “The Wizard and I,” and the crowd applauded. (Cynthia Erivo always deserves applause in my book.)

Then something delightful happened. I’m still giggling about it. I’m not sure if anyone else broke into song afterward, but during my particular 30 minute screening, it turned into a one-word singalong. And, if you’re not a TikTok user, please forgive me for this reference, but here’s the moment: During the song “Dancing Through Life,” Nessa sings, “We deserve each other… me and—” and lots of people chimed in with, “Boq.” Just that one word, sung with perfect timing and a perfect fifth down.

…“Boq.”

At that moment, a collective laugh erupted from the crowd.

TikTok references aside, I eventually decided to lie down in the grass and just look up. There, above me, was the Big Dipper, spilling whatever contents it’s carrying in our direction.

I love summer. It is my wake up call to be a person who savors.

There is so much on my mind and heart these days as I think about our collective experiences. I know that’s true for so many of you, as well. I think about people who don’t have the luxury to lie in the grass, feel safe with fellow townspeople, watch a musical, and view stars. I’m mindful of them, too.

When we find those moments of savoring, I hope we can take them in with deep gratitude. And then, I hope those moments can propel us toward working for a world where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy summers — on their own terms, with their own beautiful choices.

— Renee Roederer