Guest blog: 2.7.2019

Midsummer evening in a hammock

The weather is treating us well in this Midsummer evening in Finland. I’m lying in a hammock between two birches and admiring the green leaves of the trees against the blue sky. What a spectacular combination of colors. I remember these views of Päijänne from many years ago, already from my childhood. That time the summers were warm and Lake Päijänne full of perch. The trips to the cottage at the lakeside were the highlights of the summer. They always involved a visit to a smoke sauna and refreshing dips to the lake.

The summers of my childhood have made me grow to be keen on Lake Päijänne. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to continue spending my summers here, at the summer cottage of my dear friend. Over the years, my Midsummers have shifted from the Midsummers of parents of small children to Midsummers of grown-ups. However, the magic of Midsummer has not changed. Friendship, family, empathy and understanding have always been a part of them. They together have created incredible Midsummers, which include everything essential but nothing unnecessary.

I am happy and grateful that our cottage trips still continue. At the same time, I understand my own parents are approaching a stage of life, where taking care of them becomes more and more essential. A moment ago, I called to my mother, whose words stuck in my mind: enjoy Midsummer and good company whenever it is possible. I am relieved I was able to get in touch with her by phone, which is not always obvious. The phone may not always find its way to the owner’s hand – it could be accidentally left in a pocket or a bag from where its ringtone is impossible to hear. Fortunately, everything was fine this time. A safe and well-functioning technical solution could give my parents an opportunity to continue living an independent and meaningful life. It could also give us children a certainty that reaching our parents is possible regardless of the distance and time.

This is the conclusion of my Midsummer thoughts in a hammock. Now I can hear the sauna calling me.

SARI ALASAARI

The Midsummer Thinker from Lake Päijänne