Summer Love and Anniversaries

Sweet summertime is fading into fall. I'll miss summertime. There is something about the summer that brings back all sorts of nostalgia. I reminisce about trips to the beach, biking to a friend’s house and eating watermelon on the front porch as a kid. By the 4th of July, summer feels like it's in full swing as the fireworks boom overhead after a long, hot day of celebrating.

Every summer we make new memories while cherishing the old ones. Friendships are started, be it at the swimming pool or a backyard barbeque. Babies are born, bringing new life and possibility, couples wed and new families are formed. 

The 4th of July was not only a holiday in our family, but also the wedding anniversary of my grandparents. With dozens of cousins, aunts and uncles, it was fun to appreciate all that the day meant so many years ago at their anniversary party. While I obviously was not at their wedding, I got to reap the benefits of being  part of a large family because of their love and commitment.

Even while writing this, I realized that I rarely think about all that an anniversary really means. It symbolizes another year, of course. It also serves as a reminder for all of the time you have shared. An anniversary shows how far you’ve come, the milestones you’ve encountered and the trials you’ve overcome together.

As for me and my husband, sometimes to celebrate we exchange a token of love. In your case, whether you will soon be purchasing an anniversary gift for a first anniversary, a 25th silver anniversary or any year marking a marital milestone, unique gifts to commemorate the day could be gifts especially created for two. Then again you could simply arrange a private picnic or throw a cookout with the entire family. Either way, make it memorable.  

Wishing you many happy anniversaries!

Loving Heart Contributing Writer - Samantha Gratton lives in Raleigh, North Carolina and loves sharing life stories, traveling and eating a daily dose of chocolate. She is a writer, thinker and dreamer, and her heart belongs to her husband, Scott.