Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

As Labor Day closes the door of summer there are many who have made acquaintances over the summer that they would like to think of as more than “Just a summer love”. REO Speedwagon sang in one of their songs “But I guess it was only a summer love. Nothing too serious and nothing to last.” Also T-Spoon crooned “Baby, we’re together it can not last forever, cause it’s only summer love”. Well those two certainly felt that it was only summer love and after giving it some thought I’d agree there are some summer romances that flame like firecrackers then sputter to an end when summer fades into fall. Remember when you were young and went to visit relatives during the summer and met a local boy or girl, got to know them then had to leave as the visit ended and it was back to your home town thinking about who you’d met. Then there were the various camping outings that often led to meeting people only to have those end when camp ended or someone had to leave. Those agonizing days after separation could be tough but for many absence kind of meant out of sight, out of mind. However, for some absence made the heart grow fonder and in a youthful heart that can be painful. However, I’ve witnessed summer loves that have turned into much more than the brief infatuation we’ve all had. These are the ones that endured the romance killers of being far apart, not knowing when you’re going to see one another again, the doubt that can creep into ones mind when your love is somewhere else, and the other tough one, can you afford to go visit? Let me give you a couple of examples of summer romances that blossomed into full time love and commitment. I worked on the road with a friend who met a girl at an end of summer party in Wyoming. The party was at the river where everyone was swimming and as the girl emerged from the water my friend told me “she’s the one”. He was from California and was due to leave Wyoming in a few days but they managed to spend time together, stay in touch after they were apart, and several months later the girl joined my friend on the road and they have been together ever since. It’s been many years and you would think they just met. Another couple I know who have been married for a long time met while both were visiting Colorado in the summer. Both were with different groups of people but found out that they were both from the same town and went to the same college in Oregon. That broke the ice and by the time school resumed in the fall they had established a relationship which has flourished ever since. Finally in my own case my summer love turned out to be my girlfriend Crystal. Fortunately we live in the same town and were at the same great party celebrating the end of summer. Turns out we both enjoy the same kind of music and began talking about the music the band was playing and one thing lead to another and a summer love turned into a full time love. I guess this column is sort of directed to those who have experienced a summer love this summer, it may be frustrating for sure, but with some determination, communication, trust, and good logistical planning summer loves can become year round loves. Hope you’ve had a great summer!! To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net