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Dear Autumn,

You came back! I knew you would not be able to stay away forever.

Even as summer overstayed it’s welcome, I was confident you could make summer leave. For months I have been anticipating your return; a return that would mean I could step outside of my house without being drenched with sweat instantly.

I am so happy to be able to take a breath in the refreshing air that does not smother me with its humidity. Is it wrong that I danced in joy as summer packed it up and went away?

Because of your cooler temperatures, I even felt a bit chilly at first. Wearing longer pants and contemplating sweatshirts and long sleeves is an odd thought after the long summer of shorts, capris and T-shirts. I even put on a pair of socks just to wear around the house a few times since you came back, to warm up my chilly toes.

It was quiet when we turned off the various fans the first few days when you got here. No longer do they have to drone on day and night to keep the house cool from summer’s unrelenting heat. I thought about putting them away for the season, but I know here in North Carolina that summer will sometimes sneaks back in uninvited for a few days before leaving for good.

I was at Walmart last week and thought of you, Autumn, as I looked over the apples, pumpkins and cider for sale. I bought a bag of apples and some caramel dip to enjoy on these cooler days we’ve so been looking forward to for many months.

I may have to buy a bright orange pumpkin for the front porch in celebration of your return.

Our summer flowers are history as we prepare the ground to plant fall foliage. I am looking forward to the pansies and mums of various colors brightening the landscape next to our sidewalk.

I love watching the squirrels in our yard scamper and jump as they grab the nuts that are plentiful this time of year. It’s amusing to watch them bury their bounty for the coming winter.

They especially love the hickory nut tree in our front yard that seems to rain down their hard shells, making the pickings easier for the little woodland animals to gather.

The muscadine grapes that appear this time each year in our woody natural area remind me of how we found them about this time several years ago. A snake slithered through the yard and up into a tree. As we watched the snake make its way upwards, my eye caught the round fruit growing right in our backyard. We named the snake muscadine for fun, even though we never saw him again.

One of my favorite things about you Autumn is how God repaints the leaves of your trees from green to yellow, orange and red. The bright colors next to a blue sky makes me so happy as I ride up and down the road during this time of year.

God’s handiwork amazes me every year you come.

After we enjoy the coloring of your leaves, we watch them turn brown and fall from the branches they clung to all summer long. Sounds of leaf blowers and rakes fill the air as people try to clean their yards of the leftovers of your party decorations.

Branches, now bare, hold their arms out ready to catch the upcoming snows and ice your successor, winter, will bring.

As I stand outside at night, I know you have settled in nicely when I smell the smoke from area fireplaces wafting throughout the air. It’s during those nights that I find myself looking up at the stars, praising God for bringing us together once again.
Sincerely,
Linda Vestal

Linda Vestal is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend living in Gibsonville. Contact her with comments or story ideas at lindavestal@triad.rr.com.