I’m guessing those winds will take a lot of the color out of our picture this evening. It’s a shame because its such beauty that makes many stop in their tracks and gives great joy and contentment.

As we get older there are these reminders of friends and family who might not be fortunate enough to see another beautiful season change. It reminds me how lucky I am. My Mom taught me many lessons, but one important one that has always stuck, is that there is always someone worse off than you.

She would show me examples as we wandered through Bethesda Naval Hospital when I was very young. Kids back from Vietnam in the mid to late 60’s. Maimed and dealing with none of the support system that is there in place today with both physical and mental assistance. And you could see these guys making that effort and ignoring their gruesome wounds. It showed incredible courage.

So as I sit here thinking of the challenges ahead for a relative, I’m thankful that I have the health I do have, though it’s not the best, it could be much worse. And I’m appreciating every change of season and every day like it’s a gift. Well, maybe I don’t cherish every winter day.