QotD: End of Summer

Schools are coming closer to starting once again, any particular memories/thoughts associated with this time of year? Submitted by Chuck

I grew up in Portland, OR before my mom moved us back to the Philippines when I was twelve.  School years begin in June there so since returning to the US last year - after 27 years overseas - it's been a new experience to see things through new yet familiar eyes. All the ads for back to school shopping bring back my childhood in the Pacific Northwest. Being an only child, I was spoiled to the point that I never repeated my clothes! My teacher asked my mom one day if we owned a dress/ clothing shop because I always went to school in nice outfits. Little did she know that my mom had a great eye for bargains. Every year before school started, we would hit JC Penny's, Montgomery Ward, KMart, Payless and Fred Meyer for my clothes.

My mom passed away in 1997 and since moving back here, I think of her often and fondly remember her when I drive by the ubiquitous KMart or see the Blue Light mascot dude on TV.  "Attention KMart shoppers!" used to have us dashing through the aisles.  She would have gotten a kick out of the little cartoon guy.  I must admit though that since coming back, I haven't set foot in a KMart.  I'm afraid I'll cry. Or maybe, I've just discovered another good bargain place called WalMart.