I sat in the dentist’s chair this morning, listening to the dental assistant bemoan the end of summer and how unhappy she was about the arrival of fall and cooler weather. She asked how I felt about it, and I shared my love for autumn while acknowledging her feelings.
The shift from summer to autumn is yet another transition in our long list of seasonal challenges. My mind is already focused on the chores ahead: putting away hoses, patio furniture, and planters, and moving the 50-pound containers of ice melt from the back of the garage to the front.
While the past few winters have been relatively mild (global warming, anyone?), there’s no guarantee we won’t face an onslaught of ice and snow.
I’ll soon be swapping out shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, and sandals for sweaters and other cool-weather apparel—another task reminding me that change is here. The memories of the weeks with my granddaughters over the summer will reside in my heart and will keep me warm when the temperature drops.
While the chores of the season are on my mind, I’m also thinking about Halloween, when our neighborhood is flooded with children and adults. I think about the pumpkins to carve (both for my house and for my two granddaughters)—and about the decorations that need to be acquired, reclaimed from storage, and set out in keeping with the holiday.
I think about Thanksgiving when my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter come in for the week and we get to have all three granddaughters together. Thanksgiving is always a big deal at our house (it’s my favorite holiday), and every detail will be handled with intention and gratitude.
Transitions offer a time to reflect, to look back, and look forward—to assess whether I’ve used my time wisely, whether I need to change something (besides the clothes in my closet), and how I want to approach the next season.
I’m grateful to be here, ready to tackle the tasks at hand and to “be” with the people I love.
