August Summers in Branford

I like to tell stories. So does my Nana. I’ve listened to stories growing up as my Nana grew up in the same seaside cottage on Short Beach in Branford, CT. She shares her favorite and most cherished memories with her four grandchildren. My Nana is the best Nana anyone could ever have. Since I was born, I’ve grown up visiting my Nana and Grandpa’s house every summer. When I was a little girl, I could never say “Grandpa”, I called him “P-pa”, and the name stuck. Now everyone calls my grandfather “P-pa”, my aunts, uncles, mom, dad, and cousins. My mom and I go to Short Beach every summer and other times within each year. It has been a tradition, and my dad stays home and takes care of our cute little black lab Lily that’s as cute as a baby panda. When we head down for two weeks every year in August that is what I call a Summer Vacation! The smell of the ocean breeze, the views of Short Beach and Long Island Sound, and the quaint little houses watching the sparkling blue water are a few of my favorite things about going to P-pa and Nana’s. My Nana has always told me so many interesting stories about my great grandparents and even my great great grandparents that lived in the same house and many other Victorian cottages along Clark Avenue. She shares these stories and old photographs of the same kinds of celebrations that our ancestors gathered for, and we are passing on the tradition to generation to generation of what happens each summer. Such as, a picture at the boat yard and in the background is the house where they live now. In the future my cousins and I will be telling our grandchildren about our summers at P-pa and Nana’s house on the front porch. This view from the porch that looks out to sea will always be the same and bring out warm heartfelt memories. I look forward to going every year and seeing what each summer will bring us and discover all the memories that will be made in the future.

Emily Aucoin