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The Tabebuia or Trumpet tree heralds
the beginning of summer season
in Naples with its yellow blossoms
evoking the light of sunshine.

Summer Season

by Karen Coney Coplin
ummertime is upon us and for many As hard as I thought that Father's Day, my first, would be
that means travel if you are departing without him, I found solace in being especially sensitive to the
Sfrom Naples, where are you headed? Of needs of my mother who had lost her life's partner and soulmate.
course, Mother's Day celebrations may be in Theirs was a very profound connection which I wanted to
order before you take wing to parts known or honor and support, not just on that day, but especially that day.
unknown. I plan to enjoy breakfast or brunch I was committed to being a lifeline for her, however that may
with my daughters at the Cove Inn be. And neither she nor l felt any need to do much more than to
Coffee Shoppe on Naples Bay. hold each other, both in our thoughts and in our arms.
The restaurant industry reports that this is the busiest serving We may have felt broken and lost but we were surrounded by
day of the year. It's also a day of extraordinarily high phone an unconditional force of love which exists all the time, if we are
traffic. Will you be at a favorite Naples restaurant? open to receiving it.
A lifetime ago, my parents called me on Mother's Day 2007, I'm thinking of this now, because even though the summer
a turnaround from my normal call to them. Once I returned months give us a new lease on life, adventures related to
home, I returned their call and remember our "stereo sound" graduation and other family celebrations, and festive holidays
th
conversation as both stayed on the phone at the same time. This like the 4 of July, there are many around us grappling with
is always an endearing recollection. recent losses.
Only my dad spoke on the answering machine message, I share this because there is no shortage of Life in Naples
though. I still have his words emblazoned on my brain to this readers who are feeling bereft on Mother's Day and
day: "Oh hi, honey, hope you're having a happy Mother's Day. Father's Day.
Give us a call. We love you." Grief plays an outsized role in the aftermath of the death of
I didn't know then, but that would be the last message a loved one. If you are in this situation, remember that summer's
saved from my dad as he passed away about 10 days later when red letter days can also be used to find ways of grounding
his health backtracked suddenly and heartbreakingly, having ourselves. Likewise, with a more relaxed, unscheduled pace, the
previously been in remission from leukemia. summer months can be a helpful time to reflect, remember and
reset. What matters is within us. Wherever this journey may
find us. You are not alone.

If you want to be part of lifting others up and celebrating the awards recipients next month, I'd love to hear from you and meet you, too.
Email Karen with your article ideas concerning Life in Naples (especially as to local charities and their activities): Napleskcc@gmail.com.
Follow her on Instagram for more vignettes about Life in Naples: @naplesbythenumbers

46 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2024
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