There are cycles in life that we cannot avoid. Life and death, and the cycles of nature that propel us forward.

My mother’s life began on this day, August 31st, over 60 years ago. She has since passed on and although we were not close I have come to remember her fondly.

When I was writing this post I was surprised at how this memory from more than 30 years ago, seemed just like yesterday. I could see myself in my mother’s arms and now this many years later I know how very much she loved my sisters and I.

It has made me realize how powerful and unchanging love can be throughout the years. Through living and through dying. Once you are in the circle it holds you there. You are the circle. And you can’t be lost because in a circle all things return to where they began.

The swings were one of my favourite rides at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, Ontario.

Every summer when I was a little girl my mom and grandmother would take my sisters and I to the CNE. We lived on a farm about a four-hour drive north of Toronto and our trip would start at around five am.

I remember being half asleep, still dressed in my nightgown while mom carried me down the stairs from my warm bed to the bed she had made up in the back of the station wagon. It was dark, the air was crisp, and it was not uncommon for fog to blanket the farm at this time of the morning.

This added to the mystery of the morning and to my anticipation of the day ahead. I’d lay there and wait for my sisters to join me, while listening to the sound of the frogs and crickets. One by one my two sisters were carried from their beds and laid beside me. We snuggled under the warm blankets half asleep, but giggling with excitement.

I would lay awake and watch the red glow of the tail lights beaming through the fog as we drove down the country road. Our journey had begun.

We would drive to the CNE and spend all day taking in the sights. The horseshow, the horticultural show, and the midway games and rides were among our favourite stops.

We stayed for the fireworks in the evening and drove home that same night. It was a long day. We did it all in one day because mom was a single mom and we couldn’t afford to stay in a motel. I don’t remember mom ever complaining about this.

This trip remains one of my fondest memories and would happen right about the time I am posting this, on my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday mom!

This year I will be swinging again, but not on a midway ride at the CNE. I will be swinging in a hammock at a campsite.

This is the first year I will enjoy watching the cycle of summer come to a close, with the understanding that it is all part of a cycle I have accepted by being here. And, that each day I continue to move forward I continue to hold that circle of life.

I have written some extra articles for Loving Pulse and will be posting while I’m on holidays. With limited email access there will be delays in responses to your comments. 

Don’t let that stop you from swinging by to answer some of these questions.

1. What did you do this summer?

2. Do you have a family tradition or any fond memories you’d like to share?

3. What is next for you this year?

4. How far are you willing to swing out in your life?

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Photo credit: Daniel N – Flickr.com