I love long weekends - for so many reasons…
its an extra day to do something or absolutely nothing, maybe you start your spring cleaning or have a BBQ’s with family and friends or just relax and remember. But we all seem to get that feeling that summer really is going to happen around this time of year. Some people plan elaborate traditions but not me I just like relaxing with family and friends and remembering….but once I had a tradition:
A tradition is born… it happened when I lived in Cold Lake Alberta. I was in grade 4 and my mom took me and our dog Bonny to the lake…"Cold Lake" on the May long weekend…so began the new ritual of the first dip of the season being the May long weekend! I can remember being excited and so ready to jump in the water…I had my new blue, red and white speedo on - I am not sure but I don’t think we put sunscreen on back in the day - we just burnt. :-) I also remember my freckles were popping out all over my face in the warmth of the beautiful spring sunshine (my father used to say it looked like I stood in front of a screen door that someone had through poop through = freckles) Ah the memories :-).
Standing on the sand I remember the wind having a bit of a chill to it but off I ran towards the water- because we were at the lake and our dog Bonny was in already so it was my turn- off I ran in full tilt. As my feet hit the ICE COLD WATER…I stopped felt shooting pain in my feet and looked back at my mother who encouraged me to keep running in….”it will get better just keep going - you are doing great!” She was laughing and waving her arms towards the water - encouraging me to keep going in. So I trudged in further - tippy toeing trying to make myself as tall as I could as the icy water crept up my body - my feet were numb now - but I continued on and even put my head under - a brain freeze I still think might have affected me in regards to learning. I didn’t stay in too long - I ran out faster it felt faster - but it was probably slower - because my feet and legs were numb. Once I got out thats when the chill of the spring wind really kicked in. But my mom hurried over to my purple shivering body and wrapped me in a big towel and went on and on about how great I did and how proud she was and how she thought it was so great that I had started a new tradition - our tradition. Me, my mom and our dog Bonny- The annual May long icy water dip - no it wasn’t a swim - I can say maybe a slight doggy paddle but not a swim it was way way way too cold!!!
Each year after that I got nervous and even dreaded that dip - because the "Cold Lake" never got warmer on the May long weekend but I loved the experience my mom and I shared - all the laughter, the memories and hugs. She always made us a special picnic, had a big towel and a hug for me when I came out of the Freezing water - cheering me on - it was our special time no one else shared - except for Bonny.
Funny I carried that tradition on with my friends when I became a teenager - but it wasn’t the same and it didn’t last - because she (my mom) wasn’t there with the cheers, laughter, towel, a big hug and oh yes and a pretty darn good sandwich - a tradition becomes a memory.
The something I got from nothing is a wonderful memory of a funny little tradition that was born because my mom thought it would be nice to take the dog to the beach for a dip…after all Bonny was a spaniel and she loved the water.
Some of the best things come from nothing…Thanks Mom and Bonny. xxoo
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