Rites of Passage....Passages of Time

I didn't have the traditional college experience that most of my friends had.

I didn't live in a dorm, I didn't live close to campus (in fact, for much of the time, I commuted every Tuesday and Thursday evening from about 1.5 hours away), and the friendships I cultivated during those years weren't "typical."

I had a graduation party from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1996. I had just a couple of close friends in that graduating class, but my brother Kyle and my sister Laura were there to see my walk across the stage, and that made it sooo special.

I had a great party afterwards, at which I received - among many thoughtful and beautiful gifts, including a garnet bracelet from my family that I treasure among my most favorite possessions - a subtle yet glittery sand dollar bracelet from my very dear friends, Debi and Robin.

The story (stories) of my friendship with these girls is a blog entry unto itself. Suffice it to say, they are two of my very favorite people and true friends who have seen me through the highest highs and the lowest of lows. And, I hope, I them.

I decided - on the spot- that I would wear this bracelet every year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I look forward to putting it on and, through every sun-kissed, happy moment of the summer, when it catches me unaware, I subconsciously dread the end of the season.

So, today is Monday, Sept. 5.  Brian has just dropped me off from our Labor Day weekend on the Plum, and I once again have removed this bracelet, tucking it safely and lovingly away in its original box.

It's like a rite of passage...

The New England days warm, and suddenly it's hot and humid and we're on the water enjoying long, humid days and cool (yet damp) evenings with clear, star filled skies - sparkly starfish bracelet and Lands End flip flops in tow.

Then, without warning, those evenings require long pants and sweatshirts, while the days are warm and breezy.  Before you know it, kids are back in school, reservation lists are down to a 30-minute wait, and the highways and bi ways are more than a little easier to maneuver.

Thus, the passage of time.

Time passes so quickly, regardless of the rites you're committed to. Sometimes in spite of those rites.

I cannot believe it's Labor Day weekend. Yet, I had a wonderful summer and hope that you can say the same. I spent pieces of my summer with a few of you - and had a fantastic time! But there are others of you I didn't even share a drink with this whole summer. For that I am sad, and unfortunate.

And, in the end, I am grateful that there are many more rites to be born and passages to be walked.

Here's to heart-warming rites of passage, and a content passage of time.

I hope we find the best of both.