Season of Reason

The crisp morning signals the approaching change of season from summer to autumn. Leaves are steadily falling already from several of the black walnut trees and the chestnut pods litter the ground with an invitation to harvest. A few tomatoes cling to the vines as the chilled air gives way to warming sunshine. Soon the leaves will be bursting forth with color painting the fall canvas as only their artistry can accomplish. As a child I dreaded this change. It signaled the loss of freedom to roam the hills, shoeless if I desired, and redirected my attention to classroom, pencil, and paper. I blamed that loss of freedom and adventure on the appearance of the season. In so doing, I missed some of the opportunities to savor the fruit of the fall. As I have been witness now to many seasons having come and gone, I’ve grown to realize that it is not the season that is to blame for my loss. With the change in season comes the opportunity to uncover new adventures that lie patiently along the path waiting to be taken. I have learned that what has been most helpful is not to insist upon a change back to the season of my preference, but rather to change my mind about the season now living. As one who is learning what it means to live with PD, I am being challenged to apply the same rational thought as I have applied to the season change. The summer of jackrabbit starts and trampoline skips down the lane has departed, but in its place has come the reasoned attention to doing those things that will allow the joy of movement to be sustained until the weather changes again. Today, opportunity awaits my embrace with the will to do, the faith to get it done, and the thanks for having it (opportunity) come my way.