October

For me, October is that month when it really feels like fall. The leaves are changing and falling, the nights are cooler, and the kids are fully in the swing of things at school. Growing up, it was one of my favorite months for all those reasons...as well as Halloween, of course. As an adult, though, I have mixed feelings because it's the month when both of my mom's parents passed away. The month feels heavy to me now and, in many ways, more serious. That change of season has become more literal for me now; October is a reminder to me that in the blink of an eye...
During this month, I'm flooded with beautiful, vivid memories of my Granddaddy Sam and Grandma Lonia, but frustrated that there aren't any new ones from the past few years. I'm sad that Sammy and Brie won't remember them or truly know them. I'm heartbroken that, in retrospect, time with them went by entirely too quickly. But...I am compelled to work harder at creating opportunities for Sammy and Brie to spend more time with their four grandparents (and one great-grandparent), so they will have those wonderful memories when they're older. I surely would relive all the times with my grandparents if I could.

I would like to share a few (of literally thousands) of my sweet memories, though. When Sammy was just over a year old, we went to Richmond to have dinner with my family, grandmother and cousins--including Josh who was visiting from India. The service at the restaurant was very slow, but Granny (a.k.a. The Baby Whisperer) kept Sammy entertained and giggling. I also have a video from that meal, so I'll never forget the sound of both of them laughing together and having such a grand time.

Later that year, we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family and Granny at Keswick Hall outside of Charlottesville.  We were thankful (truly) to be together since my dad's mom (Grandma Janis) passed away in August of that year. Like most people, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays to share with my grandparents. Seeing them burst with pride of having their entire family under one roof. Watching them derive so much pleasure from watching their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy such a good meal. Here's a picture of Beth, Sammy, me and Granny from that wonderful weekend of relaxation, long walks, yummy meals and time by the fire. In my wildest dreams, I never thought it would be our last Thanksgiving with Granny. It still feels like she should be coming to celebrate in Ohio with everyone else next month.

Then this morning, in an effort to make room in his backpack for his coat, Sammy pulled out his artwork from yesterday...which just so happened to be an "L" in zebra print. Coincidentally, today is one of the days when I think of Grandma Lonia the most, and in that moment, I knew exactly what the "L" stood for. And then I thought about this photo of Granny and Beth. Sometimes it seems like people are meant to be remembered.

So in this month, as the seasons change and the lighter days of summer are increasingly replaced by the heavier days of fall, I can't help but remember fondly Granddaddy Sam and Grandma Lonia. To me, it seems like they are everywhere...even in Sammy's backpack. It's hard to take it all in at once, but then again it's October...and no time seems more fitting.