Dear August, Take It Easy On Me, OK? Love, A Teacher

Dear August,

It’s me, a teacher. We need to talk. I know you’re part of the wonderful summer season, and that’s one of the things I love about you. I love your long days, super long evenings, and lazy days with no plans and nowhere to be. How many hours have we spent in the pool or playing in the waves at the beach? There are too many to count. I need you, August. You’re important to me.

But it seems to me that lately, everyone else is trying to rush you. First, there was June with its “back-to-school” ads barely one week after school had gotten out. And don’t get me started on July when Halloween costumes started making their appearance. Are you kidding me?!

Sadly, July was not kidding, and my 3-year-old hounded me all through Costco about how he wanted to be a Ninja Turtle and Superman for Halloween. 

But you, August, you can slow down and help me relax and enjoy the last moments of summer.

A good friend and colleague described you as one long, drawn-out Sunday when you try to drag out as much enjoyment out of your weekend as you can, but the doom and reality of Monday will soon set in. That’s you, August. To teachers and students, you’re just one sleep away from the reality of a new school year. 

No more playing outside until it gets dark. No more excuses for ice cream any time of the day. And homework! Homework is not just for the kids – there will be lots of things for me to do once I get home from school, too.

So I ask you – no, beg you – please slow down. I need you to slow down. That’s right, you’re going by way too fast. No “back-to-school,” no Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day in sight. Your sweet, summery days are passing way too quickly, so slow down and take it easy on me, OK?

Love,

A Teacher