A Writing Assignment

by Deanna

I am a book reader, I love the written word and nothing excites me more than to find a really good book that is well written, with a good plot, interesting characters, and then to curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy.  And because I love to read I have always had a little secret desire to write, not necessarily a novel, but interesting pieces.  Thus bringing me to a couple of writing courses offered thru an Adult Continuing Education program at our local college.  The class that I recently completed was only 3 weeks long, with 3 writing assignments, read outloud and open for discussion on how to improve, did it flow well, was it cohesive.  Our last assignment was to write a topic on transitions...starting with action in the present time then add a flashback, concluding back in the present time.  

I am a strong believer in continuing one's education and broadening our worlds, enriching them in whatever endeavor you choose.  I thought I might share this with you and hope that you enjoy my little piece as much as I did in writing it.

Standing in front of the closet, scanning the hanging clothes in desperation for something  warm, but springlike I came across some of my husband’s clothes that I had not taken to the nursing home. There are just some pieces that don’t deserve the rough treatment that an “institution” washing machine gives to these bits of clothing that hold special memories.  

As I run my hand across the tops of the hangers, I lift out one particular shirt.  Brightly colored with Saugatuck stitched across the front flooding my thoughts with memories of all the summers we spent there.

It was probably the 7th or 8th  year we had returned to Saugatuck, Michigan, and by this time it had become a summer ritual.  We always stayed at the beautiful and lush Wickwood Inn B&B, treating ourselves to 4 or 5 days and nights of elegance.  We had checked in and after we completed a little bit of unpacking immediately strolled down to the waterfront where we sat and watched the boats float by. This time spent together was never about exciting adventures, but more about quiet walks thru the neighborhoods, good meals consumed, a round or two of golf played.

Our 2nd day there we woke up to rain hitting the window and a prediction for cool and cloudy for the remainder of the day.  It was summertime, so no jackets or warm clothing had been packed.  After a hearty breakfast which was always a bonus staying at the Wickwood Inn, we walked the short block into the “downtown” area of Saugatuck.  The chill that was in the air prompted us to walk into the shops looking for that extra layer we needed.  There, hanging on a mannequin was the shirt, perfect for Gary.  It was coral in color, that mix of orange and pink, which always made his beautiful blue eyes even bluer and with his summer tan, it was a spot-on addition to his wardrobe.  At first he balked at the price, insisting it was too much money to spend.  It took quite a bit of convincing that he needed it for warmth and along with stroking his male ego with how great that color looked with his blue eyes, the mission was accomplished. 

As I hold the shirt, hugging it to my chest, a tear or two running down my cheeks, recapturing that summer in my memories and of all the summers we spent in Saugatuck, this shirt will always remain in the closet.  There are just some things that I can’t let go.  

PS - The above photos were taken in 2005...we only took a couple of more trips to Saugatuck before my sweeties' illness became too difficult to travel.