When I was a little kid I looked forward to summer as much as . . . or even more than . . . anyone. It meant three months without school and long days doing nothing but chasing grasshoppers in the yard. We were poor but I didn't have to have anything or go anywhere. I had free time and my imagination and that's all I needed.
Now things are very, very different, and for two main reasons:
1)I am disabled and my mobility is almost nil. In fact, I was just told by an orthopedist last week that both my knees need to be rebuilt, and that there's no alternative solution. This will be extremely difficult both because of my insurance situation and because the operation will be extremely dangerous for me.
2)Remember how chrstmas was the most wonderful day of the year as a little kid? It didn't matter if your folks couldn't afford to give you a lot of stuff; it was magical in and of itself. Then you grow up, you learn there's no "santa claus," and things are never the same (plus in my case there's the added factor that I stopped observing chrstimas a quarter of a century ago). This makes December 25 a very, very, very hard day, with memories of when it was so wonderful juxtaposed with it being "just another day" (only more so) today. Well . . . summer is like chrstmas for three months. I don't have the mobility to go out and enjoy life or the money to take any vacations or anything, and being disabled I'm unable to work and spend every day at home anyway. So that magical time of year has become hugely depressing, with the memories of those three wonderful months as a grasshopper-chasing kid juxtaposed with three solid months of "just another day." It's lousy.
But who knows? Maybe I'll get into the hospital sometime before the season is over and have that dangerous operation. At least that would be something.
Regarding December 25, my paternal grandparents were Christian but didn’t observe Christmas as a holiday. They were very loving, giving people though, so they found ways to take up the slack for those who did observe it.
Same with the ladies of Hadassa, being Jewish they don’t observe Christmas as a holiday but they do have a gift wrap kiosk, not for free mind you, they are raising funds for their organization. But, it’s also a very nice, convenient service and they do just an amazing, beautiful job, so speedy and proficient too. I go have them wrap my presents just because, even though it’s not particularly convenient for me anymore. Perhaps they view it as a mitzvah.
There are ways to enjoy summer that don’t involve physical activity. My elderly relatives have taught me that. Enjoyment of fresh fruits and vegetables, that’s one. Watching the birds and animals in season, too. The hours and hours of joy they’ve gotten from a simple hummingbird feeder.
God’s glory is still out there.
I am so sorry about your health problems. I pray that HaShem gives you better health.
I hate when women dress immodestly during the summer.