b ~ Before the taking of a toast and tea

We were back again for another year. Two families enjoying the water,
the beach, the jaunts to the island. There were chips, there was
fishing, there was reading. Lounging seemed a permanent state of being
for all of us. We soaked in the sun, swam for the dock, and splashed
off from the slide. Oh for every day to be this bountiful.

At the end of the afternoon we had a birthday toast to T. If it had
been for me, we would have raised our teacups high. For others it
might have been wineglasses filled with a glorious vintage. But for
this newly minted “now able to get his drivers permit type of a
fellow” we each had a miniature cupcake. We lifted them up as we all
joined in a chorus of the birthday song. We counted his years aloud
and then paused to remember that the adults in the group had been
getting together In August for the past 12 years. It was our 13th
celebration together.

I can still hear the echo of our sweet, clear voices mingling in the
air; the movement of the water an undercurrent to our song. T’s smile
as he joined in with his own thoughts on toasting:  “Here’s to your
coffin- may it be made of 100-year-old oak and may we plant the seed
today.” He’s got his own special style, that kid.

August is so bittersweet. It marks the end of summer and for some, the
beginning of a new school year. For us it is a time for celebration,
remembering fondly a three-year-old’s party and the start of
friendship that has lasted—that is something to be toasted.  I would
recommend toast, any type of bread will do. We are big fans in our
house. Butter, a little jam. Or maybe some nutella.  Any day that
includes buttered toast is a good one. Any day that commemorates a
friendship is a great one!