In Closing

"Summers going fast --
Nights growing colder
Children growing up --
Old friends growing older
Experience slips away..."
- Rush, "Time Stand Still"

Well, almost right. Of course the temperature is about to spike just in time for my return to my non-air-conditioned room at work. Nice.

So, what can be said about the Summer of 2008 as it comes to a close for me?

It was one of the least summer-like summers I can remember. When you've got new twins to take care of, you don't notice the season.

It was a summer when we managed to live to the fullest one of my keys to happiness in life - make the most of what you've got. Even with all the craziness, and unable to take a long trip to the beach, we created our own destinations. And while Louisville, Cleveland, Chattanooga doesn't sound like anyone's idea of a vacation itinterary, we made them special for us and created memories which have already earned a place in everyone's hearts.

It was probably the last summer when we'll feel totally tied down geographically. Next year, barring any unexpected problems, we should be much more free to revisit the open road.

It was a strange summer, but not nearly as insane as it could have been. Blessed with wonderful babies, there remained some semblance of normalcy.

And so now, the darkest time of the year for teachers is upon me. For everyone out there with 'normal' jobs, tomorrow is just another day. But for me, it's the beginning of the grind again.

And no, I'm not dreading it. But I know that only the passage of time can make being back at work not feel weird any more. No matter how mentally prepared you are, if you're suddenly at work and you haven't been there for months, it feels odd. So I am ready to get on with it. In a few weeks, I'll be back in the groove, work will feel normal, and I'll be one with humanity again. Until then, it's one day at a time.

Not long from now, we'll probably all sit down and talk about next year's trips, about plans for the holidays, about all sorts of nice things to look forward to. But for now, it's time to be an adult.

So thanks to everyone for checking in this summer - hope you keep doing so as school starts...there'll be lots to talk about in the family...Steph's second job, Took starting preschool, babies eating solid foods...and maybe some carefully edited work stories too.

God bless. The adventure continues. Come along for the next chapters.

Matt and
The Specter Family