September, The Time of Harvest
Recently, I visited my Aunt Catherine’s home place. Her home and farm were across the road from where I grew up. My first cousin walked us through the home (“big house”) that was built the year before he was born. He is 87 and was born in that home. He is in the process of renovating the big house and wanted to “brag” to my sister and I about his accomplishments. He’s very proud of his work and should be.
When we walked in the door, the memories came flooding in and continued as we entered each space, each room. And while I’m writing this, I am still shaking my head in disbelief as to just how small the rooms are now. It was the “big house,” the biggest on the farm. And yet, it has become so much smaller than I remember when I was a little girl visiting Aunt Catherine and Grandmother Ritchie. When I spent time there, I learned so many lessons, big lessons like how to fish, put a worm on the hook, gather eggs, cut the grass, pick blackberries and avoid getting stung, make a wool suit (jacket and all), tool leather, and I had the amazing experience of drinking my first chocolate milkshake. This list is brief…they taught me so much more.
Being in a family of farmers and experiencing those opportunities was an extraordinary gift that continues to give. Each season brings these gifts to mind. It’s September and the transition begins as we close summer and evolve into fall. It’s the time of harvest and a time of reflection of all that has been accomplished. I invite you to pause and consider a time, person, place when you learned something new or a lesson that is still a cornerstone for who you are, and to spend a moment in gratitude for what you were taught. Each lesson is a facet that glows in the radiance of who you are and who you are continuing to become. You are exquisite.
When we walked in the door, the memories came flooding in and continued as we entered each space, each room. And while I’m writing this, I am still shaking my head in disbelief as to just how small the rooms are now. It was the “big house,” the biggest on the farm. And yet, it has become so much smaller than I remember when I was a little girl visiting Aunt Catherine and Grandmother Ritchie. When I spent time there, I learned so many lessons, big lessons like how to fish, put a worm on the hook, gather eggs, cut the grass, pick blackberries and avoid getting stung, make a wool suit (jacket and all), tool leather, and I had the amazing experience of drinking my first chocolate milkshake. This list is brief…they taught me so much more.
Being in a family of farmers and experiencing those opportunities was an extraordinary gift that continues to give. Each season brings these gifts to mind. It’s September and the transition begins as we close summer and evolve into fall. It’s the time of harvest and a time of reflection of all that has been accomplished. I invite you to pause and consider a time, person, place when you learned something new or a lesson that is still a cornerstone for who you are, and to spend a moment in gratitude for what you were taught. Each lesson is a facet that glows in the radiance of who you are and who you are continuing to become. You are exquisite.
