There is a time for everything

The movie Summer of ’42 tells a tender coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II. Its haunting theme song, The Summer Knows, captures the bittersweet mood of the film.

At its heart, the movie is about transitions, the joy, the pain, and the growth that come from navigating life’s turning points. Hermie, the teenage protagonist, begins the story innocent and untested.

He experiences his first love with Dorothy, a young woman burdened by loneliness and grief after losing her husband. Their brief connection is tender, confusing, and ultimately heartbreaking.

Through this relationship, Hermie confronts love, loss, and the discomfort of personal growth. The film reminds us that life’s defining moments often come quietly and unexpectedly, shaping who we are through emotional intensity and deep reflection.

Retirement, in many ways, mirrors this kind of life transition. Just as Hermie had to let go of his youth, retirees must let go of long-held roles, routines, and relationships.

There’s often a sense of disorientation, losing daily structure, work friends, or even a spouse or loved one. Loneliness and uncertainty can creep in, making this phase of life feel daunting.

But like Hermie, we move forward by putting one foot in front of the other. Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning, a time to rediscover purpose, form new relationships, and embrace the next chapter.

It may feel confusing at first, but with patience and persistence, we find our stride. Life, after all, continues to teach us, through seasons of both sorrow and renewal, how to grow, how to love, and how to live fully, no matter our age.

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