This summer, I’ve rediscovered the joys of the porch. For too long, I’ve hurried past that cool, inviting open-air expanse on the back of our home. Last Sunday, I wandered aimlessly through the entrance way and found myself and my latest reading material tilted back into the comfort of a large outdoor recliner. “Ahh”, I sighed as a warm, gentle breeze tickled my cheek, “it’s almost like being at the cottage”. Imperceptibly, I felt my body relax and the day’s cares melt into nothing. Soon, my eyes grew heavy, the book fell to my lap and my eyes closed in reverie. My mind wandered back to the cool porches of my childhood days where we lazed on the lounge reading the funny papers, playing quiet games and enjoying the mist when a summer shower watered the plants at our feet.
During vacation, when we children holidayed in Stratford at my uncle and aunt’s home, every house on Downie Street had a front porch. Daily, my aunt waited on the porch for her husband to return from work while the delicious aroma of supper wafted from the kitchen through the screen door. On almost every summer evening, most porches on the street were occupied by couples reading the newspaper or simply restoring energy after the long day’s work in the 40s and 50s. Sounds of children playing filled the air. Fun was the order of the day until the streetlights beckoned them back to their home porch. How luxurious it was to close those summer evenings with popcorn and maybe lemonade on the sturdy front porch. We sat enthralled as crickets chirped, June bugs hit the porch light and the silvery moon smiled down upon us. Here we learned of life, love, comfort and the true meaning of family.
As my drowsy eyes brought me back to my own comfy porch, I realized that vacations aren’t necessarily those costly trips for which we plan and save all year. Vacations can be a joy and energy restored right at home on the ever- present porch. All we need do is decide to use these resting spots as our parents and grandparents always did. Peace and serenity are as close as the porch on your home.
- Sister Jean Moylan, csj