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Winter is coming.
December 2nd, 2008
When do you think the cliche of saying someone is in the autumn of life started? I would detest it if I did not feel it was so true. Septuagenarians, maybe Octogenarians, are enjoying the umber fruits they have sown, the golds of family and friends, bright reds of leisure time, the deep purples of being sharp of mind and yet full of wisdom.
But winter is coming. Their bodies turning from the lushness of summer to the achy coolness of fall to the frail and sharp branches of December. I will be 29 in January and have three living grandparents, four including The Husband’s “Nanny”. I have never lived in the same town with any of them until this year, and it makes me sad that I am getting to know them just in time for winter.
This fall is breathtaking, colors and textures, memories and love dripping from every moment, every vista. Beauty as far as I can see. But winter is coming, quickly, with fewer leaves and abilities everyday. I realize how lucky we are to have them, I just know how much harder it is to be here to see the leaves, the thoughts, the able bodies, the words fall away from them. Energy zapped from a half hour shopping trip, branches stripped and emptied from a mild breeze.
They know winter is coming, that the worst is still ahead, that they will be left cold. Scared. Bare. I don’t think winter is going to be pretty. We have tried to prepare by tucking away things that can be damaged by frost, by anticipating the bald branches, and steeling ourselves for the iciness of loss.
Winter is coming, and it will be hard, but we know spring always follows winter, new life springs from the fallen leaves of autumn. That new life will be be more awesome than any colors or flowers or soft winds we could possibly imagine. Winter is coming, but, oh, what a spring they will have.
Filed under Family-blame the DNA, Photography, faith | Comments (8)8 Responses to “Winter is coming.”
The first three pictures were taken in early November, the last was taken this past weekend…all here in the most gorgeous state in the union. Also, click on the links! Even you MMIL.
Yes ma’am. I’ll click on them tomorrow, okay?
Are those pics the ones I took as FFiL and I drove aimlessly through the countryside with Nanny?
Beautiful, beautiful, our state of natural wonders and panoramic vistas.
Oh, about the writing. Very, very loving and absolutely the best writing to date. I hope to see it in a copyrighted state soon.
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your grandparents.
Some of them, although heavily photoshopped. It is a gorgeous state isn’t it!
The pics remind me of home. The last paragraph makes me wonder (you’re totally gonna hate this, but I must) if maybe you are pregnant?
And I haven’t had time to click on the link, which would probably explain everything.
Ang, these were taken close to your old stomping grounds, and no I am certainly NOT pregnant. Everyday that passes it looks more and more like The Son will be an only child. The new spring is referring to the eternal life that Christ has given us.
Yes, an Eternal Spring. But, there is beauty to be found even in the winter season.
I loved this post. Perhaps your best yet.