Ahhhhh autumn.  The array of red, yellow and green leaves swaying on the trees and sashaying to the ground are beautiful reminders that all things must change.  For if we stay the same, we are not growing.

Each year I look forward to the cool breeze and warm sunshine, pumpkin patches, hayrides and apple orchards.  Yet over recent years this season has brought me more to think about.  I believe it is God’s reminder to me to cherish every day and be mindful of the greater life I am here to live.

My reflective journey usually begins around September 11th and the somber memories of what happened in 2001; a day which cracked my false sense of security and reminded me that life doesn’t always make sense.

My heavy heart is quickly lifted, however, with the celebration of life.  Each year I watch my son blossom and grow with great pride.  He brings us pure joy, laughter and love every day.  He is a daily reminder that we can not go back.  Things only move forward & I can’t get caught looking back over my shoulder too often or I’ll miss what is right in front of me.  I adore the moments I can still hold him and shutter at the thought that one day he will be too big to sit on my lap to read a book.

Soon after I am filled with love as my anniversary is also during this time.  My husband & I make such a good pair that we are amazed at the number of years that have gone by.  Our wedding day was a blast!  Even 8 years later we are still learning new stories about our special day from our family & friends.

September and October are a time that many of us celebrate the life and death of a dear friend.  My mind is flooded with fond memories of a larger than life laugh.  I am incredibly grateful to have known such a wonderful individual and that many of the friends I share these memories with are still my friends.  Miles may separate us, but by staying true to who we are, we still connect in a friendship that is hard to find these days.

October is breast cancer awareness.  While it may be fun to see the professional sports teams wear pink, more and more often, it’s for a mom, a sister or a wife.  Sadly, my network of family and friends has been touched by breast cancer for a second time this year.  Cancer itself has grown from a “rare” disease to personal.  Each time I learn of  a new diagnosis, I struggle through a grieving process starting with denial and eventually leading me to the final stage of acceptance & hope.

The grand finale of this emotional mindful journey is of course my own birthday.  My own reminder that from the day I drew my first breathe I have been challenged to live in God’s image so that when I take my final breathe, I will be reunited with him in heaven.  Have I lived according to His will?  Have I taught my son to be a good and moral person?  Have I inspired my husband to be a better person every day?  Have I made my parents proud?  When I am gone, what legacy will I have left?

What legacy are you leaving?

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 8:56 pm and is filed under Mindfulness, Wife & Mom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.