As we head into the final days of an Indian Summer (surely that is no longer PC!), and the change of seasons becomes more apparent – frosty mornings, crunchy leaves, darker evenings – I think it’s always important to take stock of the season that is winding down and the new one that is upon us.

Summer is go, Go, GO! I love many things about summer but this was a very tough summer for me. My Mom died at the beginning of April as the weather was turning nice and then the next five months were filled with sadness, emptiness, regret and sorrow. It made me realize the cliché that life can change in an instant is absolutely true. Up to that point I had been so focused on the doing – the doctor’s appointments, the driving, the updates, the bloodwork – that I didn’t stop to just feel, and see, and be.

I wish for Fall to be slow, slow, sloowww. I fully intend to ratchet down the intensity and use this season to take stock of the goodness in my life. Life is always surprising us. The struggles that came out of left field and the blessings that land in our lap. I have a quote next to my desk How simple life can be if you enjoy the life in front of you.

I’ve had such an easy life for 40 years. I knew this year was going to be a landmark year for a variety of reasons – 5 years on the farm, 10 years married, 40 years alive. I never even considered that it would be the year I lost my Mom to cancer. This year opened my eyes to pain. A pain that creeps into every hour of my day and I can’t even comprehend. Some days are tolerable.  Many are debilitating.

I still believe Life is Good. Every day isn’t easy, but there are good things that happen every day. I would have never chosen to learn this lesson, but it has taught me to keep going. I will not remain broken forever. This is life. There is no dress rehearsal. This is the show. Live It.