AUTUMN

(photo from previous canoe ride but same people same place!)

I wrap health around me like a warm, cozy blanket. I sip coffee that I’ve not had for six weeks and luxuriate in its black rich depths. Not being healthy for over five years, especially this last one, losing blood continually but not knowing it, certainly drained me like a vampire. No wonder I felt continually tired compounded by the usual tiredness due to a worn out nervous and immune system.

When health returns I do not want to take it for granted. I sit by the creek and remember the days in the hospital room craving my home, kitchen, my own bed, and the safety of our little slice of heaven. I have it for now. And it is not forever, remember that. But for now I am content and healthy.

Samuel comes around the corner of the meadow, leaves crunching underneath his feet, carrying the paddles, “Want to take a short ride?” he asks.

“Sure!” I reply.

He unties the canoe slipping it in the creek and holds it while I get in. We glide a while taking in the stillness. With no breeze the quietness impregnates me with peace and fullness. A bird peeps in the high tree, and even one leaf falling can be heard as it lightly drops from it branch then lands in the forest.

This fall lasts long with possible record breaking high temps today. The colors take their time changing but seemingly overnight reds, oranges and yellows popped out.

It feels good when all seems right with my world.

(decorating our bay window)