autumn
Overcast skies and a piercing chill greet the morning as the first cloak of autumn is being fitted over the landscape. The initial tease of a cooling night and day was a welcomed reprieve from the sweltering summer sun that both gave and soaked up life in the square foot garden. Memories of childhood now return as we recall the passing of long and warm days that offered greater freedom to roam or discover the myriad of places and objects with which to play. Fall meant less light in which to discover nature’s bounty and the donning of layers of restrictive clothing to maintain body heat. Change is sometimes a welcomed visitor and at other times an intrusive invader robbing one of the familiar routine to which one has grown accustomed. The affliction with which we live reminds us of both elements of change. The unwelcome invader of symptoms that challenge often leaves as abruptly as he arrived giving rise to the welcomed freedom from pain and discomfort. Living in a haven of gratitude has proven to be the source of solace that sustains through the winds of change.
The autumn breeze was bone chilling even as the direct sunlight seemed to move west. The months of planning and the days of hurried and exciting preparation were behind us as we gathered for the focal event. The surroundings were beautifully displayed as nature’s grand expression for the lives of two young lovers being united before the crowd of family and friends there to witness. Attention to the beauty of the newlyweds superseded the chill that surrounded as everyone basked in the warmth of the love being expressed. Two people joined together as one family witnessed by extended family members that truly like each other added to the joy of the occasion. Gone were the days of preparation and anticipation as the moments of love expressed now filled the shelves of fondest memories. Music, dancing, dining and friendly chatter each took its place as the event flowed seamlessly into the glow of the evening. As the newlyweds drove away to their first night as family, those remaining reminisced fondly at the day’s events and the joy experienced. The planning and preparation had yielded its bountiful harvest. Gratitude now resides in the place called memory.