by Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons
When we think of summertime in Casa Grande, the first thing that comes to mind may be the heat and the annual question: When will we have our first 110-degree day?
But this time of the year also sparks many memories for us and our families. Looking back, I find my most cherished times with family and friends occurred in the summer months. Summer is a consistent marker of time and experiences in our lives and holds special memories.
As a child, my summer consisted of spending the day at LaGrande pool, afternoon popsicles and playing in our neighborhood until it was time to go home. Summers were always special in the Navarro house.
My parents ensured my siblings and I took trips over the summer — creating memories to last a lifetime. We would camp in Oak Creek Canyon or, like many families, we would venture to California to enjoy the beach and Disneyland.
As you grow older, the dynamics of summer change. Responsibilities and commitments make it harder to embark on family vacations. In our home, kids would forego family trips for band camp, team practices and summer jobs.
Summer became a time of personal growth. As a teenager, I worked as a lifeguard at the Arizona Training Center in Coolidge, where I witnessed how summer fun enriched the lives of the mentally disabled.
As you become a parent, summers change again.
As parents of three we needed to carefully coordinate summer. We eagerly awaited the city’s summer activity guide and plan our calendar. From gymnastics and pottery classes to cooking lessons and swim practice, our days were packed.
Yet there was always time for us to create family memories, a backyard barbecue or a lazy afternoon. Over the years, the growth my girls and their friends experienced throughout their summers amazed me. They went from the participants in St. Anthony’s Bible School, Cheer “Kiddie” Camp and swim lessons to the young ladies leading these programs.
I hope everyone embraces the opportunity to enjoy summer and all its magic. Spend time with your family and friends, watch your children learn new things and find new passions, enjoy the first monsoon, relax by the pool, come together for Sunday barbecues and finish your day at Dairy Queen for a nice, cool dessert.
Whatever you choose to do this summer will last a lifetime.
“Education is not the filling of a
pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
—W.b. Yeats
Education is the basis for the growth and progress of society, allowing people to contribute more in their areas of expertise and create better communities. Education on every level develops problem-solving skills and provides the opportunity for empowerment through hard work.
