It seemed like yesterday that summer began and, with the blink of an eye, the winds have shifted to a cooler breeze, leaves tumbling from the trees.  I think I have used the air conditioner for the last time this year and I enjoy opening the windows.  The summer was full of little excursions but we ended it by going to my parents' house in August.

My 10-year-old son spent the summer in Virginia and while he was there, he attended church with my parents every Sunday.  He loved it so much, he asked if he could be baptized there.  I was so proud he had chosen our family church.  My mom cooked so much food, the day was beautiful, family was there, celebrating this wonderful moment in my son's life.

While I was there, I took a walk, noticing so many things I had not noticed before.  How green the landscape was, the beauty of the mountains, the serenity.  My dad took the kids on a tractor ride while my mom and I rushed for our cameras to catch their smiling faces.  What a way to end the summer!

Although I am a single parent, I do not raise my children alone.  With the help of family, friends and church members, I am never alone.  My boys are surrounded by positive influences, a strong village.  They know they are loved not only by their mother, but by many others who want to see them succeed.  As we settle back into the school routine, the summer memories linger and we will remember them during the upcoming cold months, with a smile.