The Freedom of Summer Vacation
The Freedom of Summer Vacation
This is a space for quiet reflection and shared experiences
June 18, 2026
Dear Friend:
The last day of school felt different. Books were put away. Desks were cleaned out. Teachers wished everyone a good summer. Standing outside on the last day of school, we knew we had an entire summer stretching out before us. No homework. No tests. No school buses.
Summer vacation had officially begun.
My sisters always seemed to be involved in something during the summer. I just wanted to be outside soaking up the sunshine, playing hopscotch, baseball, spending time at the summer playground, and finding adventure. I was a very adventurous child. I started my summer adventure career at the age of four. I walked a mile from my house all on my own before someone found me. Years later when I became a mother I understood the heartache I caused my parents that day.
We had an above ground pool in our back yard. It was not big enough to swim in but we had lots of fun anyway splashing each other and playing games. It kept us out of our mothers hair for a while. All this fun and adventure worked up an appetite. We were constantly in and out of the kitchen getting drinks and snacks.
Another fun summer activity was going to Baltimore to watch the Orioles play. I was a tomboy, much to my mother's dismay. It was a little over an hour drive to Memorial Stadium from Cabbage Hill. Another adventure. I still remember the crack of the bat and the crowd rising to their feet to watch the ball land in the crowd. The sounds of clapping because the Orioles just hit a home run or better yet a grand slam. I remember Boog Powell, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Jim Palmer among the all time greats of baseball. And of course the smells of the hot dogs, popcorn, roasted peanuts and crab cakes served between saltine crackers. I loved going to other places and seeing all the sights and sounds.
My mom did not drive so we pretty much walked everywhere. We would walk to downtown Lancaster and go to Central Market. Central Market in Lancaster PA is the oldest continuously running farmers market in the country. This was yet another adventure. The smells and all the food, especially the baked goods and ice cream. There was a vendor at the market Called Long’s Horseradish. I can still see the vintage cast-iron grinder, the tabletop fan blowing, and smelling that sharp, sinus-clearing aroma before you even see the counter. The fan’s job was to move the intense fumes away from the worker’s face, but also ended up being a good marketing strategy. I loved seeing all the cakes and pies especially Shady Maple stand with Whoopi pies, donuts, Shoofly pie and fruit pies. All the beautiful fruits and vegetables. There were also stands selling beautiful hand-sewn goods. And who could forget the beautiful plants and flower stands? This was both a memorable adventure and sensory overload.
Summer vacation wasn't just a break from school.
It was freedom.
Freedom to explore.
Freedom to ride our bikes.
Freedom to spend entire days outdoors with friends.
Freedom to have adventures.
Looking back, I realize those adventures were not always big ones. Sometimes they were as simple as walking to the market, splashing in the backyard pool, or spending a day at the playground.
Those small adventures became some of my favorite memories. They gave me stories to tell, lessons I didn't realize I was learning, and a lifelong love of exploring the world around me.
What are some of your favorite summer memories?
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, a blog dedicated to honest conversations about life in later years. She writes about everyday challenges, meaningful decisions, and the importance of staying connected.