This week, my oldest son turns 29 on Friday. I was on bed rest for much of that summer due to developing Preeclampsia. I watched my 24th summer slowly and painfully go by, looking out a tiny window. The day he was born, the rain came. Winds howling. Fall rolled right in that day. I remember thinking, “I can be active again,” and Mother Nature said back, “Oh no, you are not. You need to rest still!” I missed fall that year, too. My body felt the lack of being outside.
It was like that for me 2 summers ago, after I fell and tore my arm up. My hiking season was gone. And by the time it was better, Fall had shown up. And yet I wasn’t ready, even though I wanted to be.
This year, fall came yesterday, on the final day of summer. After a long, hot summer in West Virginia, we were given an early treat of cool weather for a couple of days. But this year I had enjoyed summer. Between gardening and hiking, I was nearly ready for fall to be here. To have a break from the heat. To look for acorns. To watch trees turn orange, yellow, and red. To pull out my sweaters once again.
Fall is a favorite of mine. But I often feel you feel fall most after you have fully enjoyed summer – and are ready for a bit of a break. The garden is winding down. The days are getting shorter – rapidly. Morning mist shows up over the meadows.
It is pouring rain today. Tomorrow promises cool weather and dry skies. I will work in the garden a day late. Plant the lettuce I started a month ago. Then maybe go for a hike in the clean, crisp air.
Because fall is here.
~Sarah