I grew up in a time when summers felt endless

 I grew up in a time when summers felt endless

When our skin was sticky from popsicles and sun
When we didn’t need much to be happy
Just a hose, a bucket, and each other

We stayed out until the sky turned pink
Caught fireflies in jars we were never supposed to open inside
Told stories on trampolines
And believed the world was good

Now I watch my kids
And I feel this ache in my chest
Because all I want is to give them that same kind of summer
One where they feel free
Wild
Safe

No constant noise
No pressure to perform
Just dirt under their nails and grass in their hair
And a mom who lets them be little

Because childhood should feel like that
Unfiltered
Messy
And magic