Wisdom Wednesdays: Changing seasons

Here in Colorado, finally, finally we are starting to see the beginnings of fall. Colorful leaves are now sprinkled throughout the trees at the park, Denver temps dropped from a high of 90 to 60 degrees in two days (what???), and Starbucks now has the Pumpkin spiced lattes. Alas! Fall is on the way. A new season brings on new changes as we say hello to fall and goodbye to summer.

Also in this change of season, my family had to say goodbye to Grandpa "Bear".



Everyone who met him loved him- there is no doubt about that. He was the type of man you just loved being around- his laughter was contagious and his eyes sparkled every time he smiled. He was a man fiercely committed to his faith and his wife in a way that continues to inspire me and my husband. He was an extremely detail-oriented man. Like many young men of his time he proudly served his country. He loved cheering for his hometown of Syracuse and boy, did he love his scotch. Going through old photos and letters he kept last week- hearing stories about him from his friends and sister- it truly is amazing the depth of life that he lived.

[caption id="attachment_466" align="aligncenter" width="212"] My mom with her daddy.[/caption]

And so, seasons change. From hot to cold and from the end of one life to the beginning of another. I feel so blessed and grateful that my Grandpa got to meet his great-grandson and with joy I know where he is now, in Heaven looking over all of us and saying "don't cry for me! celebrate!"

[caption id="attachment_463" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Checking each other out.[/caption]

Well Grandpa, we will celebrate the everlasting mark you've made on our family and this life. Our children will hear about you and if we're lucky, will be half the man you were.

In any season, may we not take one single moment for granted. May we be sure to tell those we love just how much we love them, and be present in every second spent with loved ones.

[caption id="attachment_465" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Love always.[/caption]
-Lauren