Through the window the sky is a pale gray. There is a soft hum of rain on the roof. The window is open, and through the screen, I can hear the drops tapping on the rhododendron. Fall is here and so are the first rains. The sound is peaceful, calming. A welcome change from the clear, long- distance noise of summer nights. Rain is close-in and comforting, a flannel blanket, a wool sweater.

It has been a different summer for us. We haven’t been able to tend the plants we put out in spring. Watering them was the best we could do. We picked the half dozen tomatoes that survived our neglect. The potatoes are still in their mounds, no idea how they’ve done. Getting older means letting some things go, so other things can happen. This summer, our lives changed. Someone else mows the lawn for me. Walks involve a walker and an oxygen tank. So does a trip to the kitchen from my chair. We watch less television and stare out the window more. We touch a bit more often, our hugs more intense. We are not maudlin, rather we are contemplative, acknowledging the changes, pondering the implications.

We laugh more often. Appreciate meals and the love and effort behind them.

Yin and Yang. Our trepidation is balanced with fierce appreciation.

Fall is here and so are the first rains. The sound is peaceful and calming.

In all things, blessing.

Posts The Road