Happy tears
When I was younger
I used to spend the entire summer at summer camp as a camp kid. Camp kids are the children of staff members who have the best of both worlds! An entire summer to spend at summer camp, without any of the restrictions and requirements. We ruled the camp, and we knew it.
The summer was the absolute pinnacle of happiness. We had horseback riding, swimming in the lake, archery, riflery, arts & crafts, and hours of time to laugh with friends. Though there was plenty of supervision with counselors always nearby, we had enough free time to catch up in groups without adult intervention. Living at the camp for three months was like a preview of a college dorm - without the studying. Could there be any trace of sadness? Anywhere?
For a camp kid, yes.
At the end of each week, I would watch as suitcases, snacks and kids hopped on the charter buses - ready to take them back to faraway cities in various states. I could hear the music pumping, the laughter, the stories being told - but worst of all - the "Byeeeeeee!" as they pulled out of the parking lot. One by one, the buses would take my friends away on the last leg of their journey. Camp kids stay. Camp kids stare down the road until the only sound that remains is nature. Camp kids feel the change in the air as the joy is sucked away with the last of the bus' exhaust fumes.
In those moments, happiness for the memory and sadness for the reality are a bittersweet battle of emotions. The only anecdote is the hope of another summer, only ten months away.
An entry into @penderis' happy sad contest
What a beautiful article, and an outstanding entry to the contest. I wish I could express myself in words like you do. A resolution for me is to read as much of your post as I can... perhaps I can assimilate a little of your literary prowess through osmosis.
I love your heart :) And I thank you for your kind words!!!!! But I think you're doing VERY WELL for yourself on Steemit! I'm so impressed with you :)
Keep doing what you're doing! We are all happy that you're a part of Steemit because you make our home even brighter! :)
Schöne Erinnerungen:-) Ich war nur einmal in einem solchen Camp - bei uns hieß es aber Ferienlager - und es war für mich die Hölle, so dass meine Eltern mich tatsächlich früher abholen mussten ;-)
Oh!!! Es tut mir leid, das zu hören! Ich bin jedes Jahr in dieses Lager gegangen. Ich habe es mit Freude erwartet !!!! :) Aber - glückliche schöne Erinnerungen. Danke, dass du gekommen bist, um zu lesen! Ich war glücklich, deine Kommentare zu lesen! Ich habe einen Übersetzer benutzt, um zu antworten - also wenn es Fehler gibt, vergib mir! :)
Oh, @dreemsteem,
This was such a beautiful happy/sad share. I was right there with you through all the joy of activities, group hang-outs without adults, laughter, teasing, playing. And when you watched each weekly set of new friends load up to go home.
Thank you for sharing your camp summers with us. It was almost as if you wrote it in your 'younger' you voice. And best of luck in the Happy Sad contest. Hope you win! ;)
oh @angelacs!!!! hehehehe right??? i WAS right there! gosh - those summers are only from yesterday... right?
how time flies! i love where i am RIGHT NOW. but those summers -hmmmmm love those summers :)
Thanks for the comment!!! and for the encouragement :) (and i'm so excited that you're a part of WW now hehehehehe)
sounds like you had a wonderful summer as a child. I wish I had experience camping when i was young too.
oh my goodness - really truly lovely :) nice to see you again @bhabykat!
Must have been a great time to grow up each Summer with that. Thanks for sharing @dreemsteem
heheheh it really was :) Even writing this made me think back to such wonderful times!!!! :)
Time flies way too fast!