The Fleeting Summer by Joel Aversing
As the heat rolls in and the days grow longer, the unmistakable sounds of summer emerge: the sizzle of meat on a hot grill, the splash and laughter of the kids in the pool, the distant sound of your neighbor mowing his lawn and more personally, the sound of my son repetitively bouncing his basketball on the pavement, as he strives for the perfect shot.
As I watch him, I realize that he’s at that magical age, a few weeks shy of 14, two months away from high school, a time of much change in his life. He is straddling the line between childhood and becoming a full-fledged teenager. Sure his age makes him a teenager already, but his actions, rolling around in the backyard with his dog, cuddling on the sofa with his mom, tell me he’s not quite there yet. Though, there are some days where his attitude and constant texting with girls remind me that he’s on the cusp.
This summer will be a journey of self discovery for him. It may be his last summer of freedom as next summer his hours may be filled with a part-time job. He’s old enough to stay home alone now and for us to trust him to walk to his friend’s house unaccompanied. I’m grateful that he enjoys exploring the outdoors just as much as he enjoys exploring the worlds in his video games. Above all, I hope he takes the time this summer to enjoy his last few months of childhood, digging holes, poking things with sticks, exploring old buildings and shooting his favorite basketball shot over and over again before this time is gone forever. One last crazy summer of freedom, and I’ll be there every step of the way with my camera capturing each moment of his transition from child to young man.
All shots were taken using the Lumia 1020 WindowsPhone. Post processed in Fantasia Painter and Oggl.
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They grow up too fast. Hope he has a good transition into high school.
Love the 3rd pic, btw!
TOtally there with you. My two eldest daughters are 12 and *just* 14. Its an amazing, wonderful, terrifying, and exciting transition….and thats just for me. This was a beautiful photo essay, Joel – well done.
Such a great and heartfelt essay brother, this rang true with me as well, I can relate with my own kids. You’re a good man brother, thanks for sharing and all the best to the young man and his bright future!!