Ryleigh is constantly flinging her toys at our feet, so at first I wasn't paying attention. But when I saw what she'd left for me, my stomach did a little jittery thing. After all, it's been eleven years. I wonder if Ryleigh knew? Did she sense the magic of fall? Of family? The connection?
The leaf is from our Autumn Fantasy maple we planted in October of 2005 in honor of my mom who passed away on October 16 of that year. My mother
No words were needed. My mother was my gift from God, and I'm sure I was hers. And he'd painted a beautiful landscape for us to share one last time. One week later, my mother left to take her place by His side. No more emphysema. No more COPD. No more pain.
Every spring when the Autumn Fantasy bursts forth with new life, I'm reminded of the promise of tomorrow. And every year when it bursts forth in its brilliant colors, I'm reminded of her.
I love you, Mom--always the angel on my shoulder.
Until we meet again--
Happy Autumn,
Susan