Sixty-three Novembers ago, my father and mother joined their hearts and lives together in marriage. My mom wore a gorgeous jacquard cream-colored suit, with a dress that flared out from her tiny waist and a short little jacket that hugged her shoulders. Dad wore a dark suit with a skinny tie, shined shoes, a bright white shirt, and a bright white smile.
They were young but so in love. From that day forward, they made a home together, had two little girls, and built a life. A good life.
Their marriage stood the test—many tests—of time, and their love grew to include three sons-in-law, three granddaughters, and three granddogs.
When Dad retired in the 90s, they built a home together in a two-acre wood. Through the years, they worked hard on their land, adding two bridges over two streams, planting azaleas and flowers, tending trees, mowing and edging, and more.
The grassy meadow between the streams provided the perfect spot for our family’s annual Easter egg hunt.
And every fall, before the trees dropped two million leaves, Dad and Mom would marvel at the colors that danced just beyond their screened porch. I remember them catching me up on which tree was showing the most color on whatever day I called.
Dad seemed partial to the yellow poplars, maybe because they were the first leaves to turn. He loved fall, and I always think of him when the leaves start to change.
Even though he has been gone now for seven years, he is still close in our hearts.
Here is some of the beauty of fall at their house.
Red dogwood leaves, with a burst of yellow below.
Deep purple—my favorite in any season.
A spiderweb stretched among the leaves holds raindrops and a brown leaf suspended in the air.
Camouflage.
A yellow poplar leaf.
Love is a precious thing—timeless and seasonless. And there’s never a better time to share it with a loved one than now.
Thank you for reading Glimsen, where I write about the beauty around us in nature, the arts, and the unexpected. If you like this post, sign up below to get a free gift of beauty and you’ll also receive my blog posts in your inbox. Add more beauty to your life by signing up today.
