Falling for Fall

By the time I stepped outside, the leaves were on fire. The colors were a vibrant array of a pallet of fire red and burnt Orange. Summer faded away while I slept.

just a few short months ago, I was in a accident that left me in a hotel isolation. With my sleeping and healing, I had missed summer altogether. I had many visitors but nothing could compare to watching summer fade from warm days of sunshine to crisp mornings and evenings sitting my a fire with hot cocoa or cider. While I lay in my bed, I dreamt of my memories of fall days. We enjoyed all seasons but fall was the family favorite. Mother and father were married on a fall day and the reception was right there on the farm I had grown up on. My memories of the farm during fall are beyond words. I loved waking up to deer grazing nearby and my dogs chasing rabbits and squirrels. The sun set each night seemed to say, good night fine family I’ll see you in the morning. As much as I enjoyed seeing the trees bloom in the spring and the roses bud, there was nothing like the view of falling leaves. As each one falls, I would collect them and sort out their colors.

I still have my book of falling leaves that I collected so long ago. The red ones were my favorite color because they reminded me of our barn. That old barn made with labors of love. Father told stories of his childhood years here. His eyes would light up as he spoke of the old Oak tree in the middle of the yard and how he had proposed to mother right under that old tree. It still had their names engraved on it. A heart shape with the names Michael and Mary.

Some years were good but some were harsh. We had lean years and years of plenty. I never understood why people left to live in the city. I saw many of my high school friends just up and leave for the hustle and bustle of the city. Nothing could compare to thanksgiving on a farm!

My brother who was two years older than me, broke my father’s heart with the news that he was moving to town to pursue a career in music. Father held the tears and emotions back as he tried to seem happy for him. He had so desired him to continue the family farm. But music was on my brother’s mind.

I stayed at the farm to try to help in any wau that I could. I know mother knew I desired nothing more than the country life. Fall wasn’t the same without my brother but I knew that he was happy. When he came to visit, one would see his guitar on his back and then his suitcase. Musical nights around the fireplace seemed irreplaceable! Johnny was so talented and I prayed that one day he would see his dreams come true.

One afternoon we had a surprise visit from my brother. His truck came to a stop and we all knew that something was wrong. He had run out of money playing in places that didn’t give him the supplement that he needed to survive. Johnny decided to stay and learn how to farm. He still gave us endless nights of music and song around the fire.

As I closed my eyes one night, my dreams led me to my childhood times past.

The barn painted fire red was getting a new fresh look on its old wood doors. They had opened and closed it‘s doors for a hundred years. My great grandfathers family had built it to store the animals and kept them safe from harm during harsh winters. I was watching my father paint it’s old doors but I fascinated by a pile of leaves my brother had raked. I had my gloves on and my boots so I assumed the pile was for me to finish. But instead, I decided to jump right into the middle of the leaves. My laughter alarmed my father from his chore. I could hear him laughing with me, saying have fun Carley!

My mother heard our voices and joined us outside. Between the leaves falling and the crisp cool air, the farm was a joyful place this time of year. My father taught me about the sap in the trees so I would understand how the changes that occur. It was my favorite time of year! Apple pies and cherry cobblers were our favorite delights! pumpkins graced our porch placed ever so perfectly with yellow and burgundy mums. The evening ended with a hay ride that father and mother arranged. Neighbors gathered to play and sing by the fire.

Suddenly I awoke from my dream to my family gathered around my bed. A doctor in his white coat with his file in hand and a nurse by his side. As I opened my eyes, I saw grins on everyone. my mother held my hand and said, Carley you’re going home!

what season is it, I shouted. Father exclaimed it’s fall Carley! Tears welled up in my eyes as I grew with joy that I was going home to the farm! It’s all decorated for you, my brother said with a glimmer of a tear in his eye.

My wheelchair ride to the hospital doors was pure glee!

I could see the outside! And by the time I stepped outside, the leaves were on fire!

I could see the farm in my view! The fire red barn displayed with a welcome home Carley sign. The cider was warm and the pies were ready for us to enjoy. Fall family tradition was important to us. Piles of fallen leaves were still on the ground. As I swayed in the white porch swing, I said a grateful prayer. The breeze that blew my way and the trees swayed in the wind, reminded me of why I fell for fall when I was young on my hundred years old family farm!