Excitement of Fall

It is no secret that this year has been a challenge for many. Between Covid, hurricanes, murder hornets, riots, dust storms spurring sand from the Sarah desert, to having to shelter in place and places being closed, we all wonder what each month might bring.

Right now, I am enjoying the fact that this month is bringing some cooler temperatures. It is the beginning of Fall – finally! This was my first Houston Summer and I have to say while it wasn’t that bad, I am ready for things to cool off a bit. I am ready to have my windows and doors open and having a break from high cooling bills. Sleeping with the windows open is an especially nice treat that I enjoy.

And the possibility of planting a fall and winter garden is tempting. The current garden is a bit of a mess and needs a bit of pruning and weeding. maybe a good restart as well.

Yes, there are adventures to be had this fall. New projects being started and new goals to reach. Fuzzy slippers to wear, with warm soft PJs and blankets. Nooks to read and write, and shows to watch.

This year may be a hard one, but we must work with what we are given. Even if you are not where you want to be, even if life is hard right now, work with what you have and make the most of it while you can.

Just how do we do that exactly? I find that being thankful is a start. Yes the cliché of an attitude of gratitude actually works. Because no matter how hard you have it, someone has it harder than you. If you don’t believe me, visit a hospital NICU or a nursing home. No matter what you are going through, it could always be worse, so be thankful that it is not.

Then you have to remind yourself that whatever the situation is, it is only temporary. It won’t be like this in 20 years, 10 years, 5 years…even one year. even 6 months. Then you decide what you can do about it to change it. Get a new job? Move to a new place? Go back to school? And you do it. Start making a plan. What if it is noth anything you can change at the moment? The you remind yourself that it’s only temporary and that each day you cannot change things brings you closer to the day that you can. And you work from there.

There may not be an easy fix for the hard times, but with perseverance you can turn that pain into power. And soon you will be celebrating and looking forward to the change of seasons as well.

Life is short. Play the hand you were given because you never know when you might be dealt an ace.

A Note

Hi Mom, it’s me. You have no idea how much I miss saying that when I would call you. There are still many times that I think to call you…

Now would be one of those times, to tell you how happy I am and all about why. My life here is wonderful and I am happier than I have been in a long time. I miss my friends and family in Georgia but hopefully will be able to visit them soon.

I think you and Dad would be proud of me and the life I have made here. You would love my house and the room I set up for you, called the “nap room.” It is perfect. My career is going well and I am fulfilling the plans to be a writer and have my book published. The garden is another story…it looks like your last garden. There really is no excuse except I have been enjoying life and playing. Do you know how long it had been since I played and had fun? I think you do since you were one of the only people I ever confided in, plus you could always tell by looking at me…and most of the time by the sound of my voice on the phone. I guess mother’s always have the sense about their children.

You would love the people I have met here too. My neighbors and dear people in my life. I think you would look at me and smile because I am so ridiculously happy here. I wish you had lived to see that. But I know that you see it now. And I do miss talking to you. I know that you are here and can see everything, but it’s not the same as sitting together on the back porch in the morning or night and talking over coffee or wine. The laughs we always had together are some of my favorite memories.

Cooking with you is another. And I just gave one of you recipes to Rita.

I found a pamphlet recently, and I know that you had something to do with it. I take it as a sign of you telling me that it is OK to move forward with it, that you guys are happy for me. I made a call today to start the process. It comforts me so knowing you and Dad are behind me.

Thank you for visiting me in my dreams so often. I love it when you do. I always wake up with such a warm feeling when you are Dad are there. You know you were my favorite Mom. I feel good that now I can joke about things and in your letters to you.

I am doing great, but I would still give anything to hug you and Dad one more time. Thank you for being the best parents in the world. Thank you for continuing to look out for me and send me signs (I know that butterfly the other day was you). Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Love you. Tell Dad I love him too.