September is a nice month for a funeral and I don't mean that in a cynical sort of way. A few years ago my Grandpa passed away in September. This year my aunt passed away, too. Whereas some months are rainy or cold or unbearably hot, September embraces us with its perfect, blue-skied days. September gives us a final glimpse of summer, hope for a harvest and a freshness to sustain us. September wipes away our tears.
After the funeral, I stopped by my aunt and uncle's Wisconsin farm.
It brought back memories to see the taste of country life that I experienced for one week each summer -
The place where I milked my first (and only) cow .....
The place where I jumped from bale of hay to bale of hay......
The place where we sent the kittens when our cat had, not one, but two litters! -
I reconnected with my cousin. We were the only girls among a sea of boys.
Although her path took her one way and my life led me another, the farm took us back to common ground.
I am so proud of my aunt - how she spent her whole life living and but a few hours dying.
Her courage to face her future was certain.
And although we will miss the whirring of her sewing machine and her Corn Casserole at Christmas,
Her faith leaves us with more hope and fewer tears.
May we be reminded to live each season of our lives to its fullest.
