Goodbye to Summer

As summer turns into fall, I feel a little tug at my heartstrings. You see, it is time to say goodbye to the grandchildren and head back to the Midwest. It has been an unforgettable summer with the kids and honestly, this feels a little bittersweet.  

We have made some amazing family memories this summer. There have been boat trips and backyard barbeques. But for my sweet girl, it was the summer of yes. Yes to getting out of the house. Yes to new adventures. Yes to interacting with the family. This is really a first for her. You see, prior to this summer, she was not easy to take on new adventures. Her autism made her struggle with crowds, noisy environments and new places. The autism still does that, but she is now saying yes. Yes, I want to try. Yes, I want to do new things. Yes, I want to interact. And for a Nana who is all about new adventures, I was all in. 

So thank you sweet girl, and thank you fabulous four, for all the memories of the summer. The love and laughter we shared this summer will be just what I need to get me through fall. And goodbye is simply a prelude to the next hello.