Autumn wind
So, I had this plan about maintaining this blog in the months/years to come. It was simple and routine. Ha! What was I thinking? Nothing about our lives with Owen was simple or routine.
I had planned on posting only on those important days – Owen’s birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving (maybe), Christmas (maybe), New Year’s Day (maybe), and in the months of May and June, anytime his spirit moved me. Here it is, October 6, and I can’t hold back. Just a note to say this…
It’s the autumn wind that makes me smile today. In years gone by, this was the time of year when our family made plans for Halloween and the coming months of winter festivities and less light, except for the light we created in our home, and there was plenty, you know?
Today, as I walked from one of the buildings to the next at my job, I noticed the air – the feel, the smell, the low, autumn light. I walked outside in the comfort of my senses (they rarely fail me), and I was grateful. I did what I do when I’m grateful – I smiled…a big, teeth-filled smile, and wondered if, indeed, I looked like a Jack-O-Lantern of days gone by. I was certain I did, and it made me smile bigger, made me chuckle to myself. I thought my lips might stick to my gums if I didn’t consciously close my mouth and start over. So, I did. I talked with Owen on my short walk, remembering what it was like to prepare for costumes and trick-or-treating. I remembered when Nat and he would change their minds over and over about what character they might portray on Halloween. Sweet times.
Lea and I took a short trip to New Mexico this summer (one of three trips during the summer months for me). This photo was taken on a windy evening at sunset, a few miles south of Santa Fe. I smiled then, too. The wind in my face…Owen was with me, and it made me smile.
I probably posted this song at some time in the past, but the lyrics say what I need to say tonight. I feel Owen in the wind. Owen. Oh-When. Oh-Wind. (“don’t hang on, nothing lasts forever but the Earth and Sky” and this slide: peace, love & respect…WORD – I hear you, Buddy…and your message lives on.) When I’m the most anxious, feeling the most grief, I long for the wind, and it greets me like a newborn. Sweet times.
The orange sky …
Mercurial
What you said…
I’m glad you can smile again and hold Owen close to you. Poem for today:
“Those we love remain with us
In the whisper of the wind
In a soft rain that falls from Heaven
In each sunrise
In every single star that lights the night sky and
In every single memory we hold with our hearts”
By Mary Chandler Huff
Best wishes from Jan
As difficult as it may be to maintain this blog for you, know that you and Owen are thought about often.
So happy you were able to take some time away, and how blessed you are to have a friend like Lea.
Fall reminds me of so much. Most recently, it reminds me of when I found my Matt. The chilly weather, the wind, the darkened evenings. All so beautiful, all evoking so much thought.
Many positive thoughts your way, dearest Linda.
<3 Rose
That is one of my favorite songs of all time.
I was wondering how you were doing and what you were up to. Good to see you popping in here every once in a while.
Candace’s brother and his wife had a baby girl last month and named her Candace. Isn’t that lovely?
love the photo, such beautiful colors in there.
It is most of all in the spirit of the wind that I find Daniel, where I hear his voice and sense his presence.
Thank you for this post, it is special.
Love
Alison
It was so nice to find your beautiful words, Linda. ♥