Sixty-one 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 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 five years, he is still close in our hearts.
Today I spent most of the day with Mom at their house. I filled up on the colors of the season that she and Dad loved so much. I’d like to share with you a little of the beauty I saw.
Red dogwood leaves, with a yellow forsythia just below.
Deep purple—my favorite in any season.
A spiderweb stretched among the leaves holds raindrops and a brown leaf suspended in the air.
Camouflaged.
A yellow poplar leaf.
Love is a precious thing—timeless and seasonless. I’m grateful to have spent today celebrating the beauty of six decades of love, surrounded by the beauty of this season in the company of the precious woman who gave me life and so much more.
Is there a loved one you can spend time with today?
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