And that’s it. The last of our local schools concluded class for the summer last week.
Tioga ISD is among the latest in the state when it comes to starting summer vacation, but they are also one of the latest to get started in the fall. So, I guess it’s a wash.
That time of year is upon us.
Young people across the country have donned caps and gowns and walked across the stage.
Mothers cried. Fathers are nervous about the next chapter— though they’ll never admit it.
All have been congratulated and gifted money and best wishes.
Senior pranks have been pulled. Farewells have been said.
And now schools begin the summertime reset.
Here in Whitesboro, the district will open a new building next year. That is exciting.
New teachers and coaches have been hired.
New summer practice program schedules are published.
Graduation parties have been held.
Cookouts— moms and dads, satisfied with milestones, aunts and uncles equally happy, grandparents elated.
The simple changing of the seasons is signified by these small life advancements.
Alas, after a cool evening Saturday and a lot of rain on Sunday, summer will be here soon.
Temperatures are already climbing, and I doubt we’ll see much relief until September.
The swimming pools are open. The slip and slides are unboxed. The snow cone stands are ready for business.
It is that simple time of year for which we should all be grateful.
This time next month, we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great nation.
Fireworks stores are anticipating it.
Small towns across the country have special events planned.
It’s easy to forget the grandeur of our great democracy.
The news cycle bogs us down. The social media algorithms beat us up.
The gatekeepers and power players divide us so much that many of us have checked out.
It’s tempting to check out, but I implore upon you— don’t.
Remember, this summer, what’s important.
Take time for gratitude— gratitude for our great experiment of a democracy.
Gratitude for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Gratitude for our imperfections and always striving to do better.
Gratitude for progress.
Cook a hot dog, drink a beer, watch some fireworks, put a flag on a veteran’s grave.
Remember what’s important and ask yourself how you can help a neighbor.
In this crazy game of life, we get out of it what we put in it.
What are you putting in it? How are you helping your community?
How can you help us all do better?
Austin Lewter is the director of the Texas Center for Community Journalism, an instructor of journalism at Tarleton State University and the publisher of the Whitesboro News-Record. He can be reached at [email protected]