As I scrolled my Facebook newsfeed this morning, I saw two posts of this year’s season from a New England friend. She had shared a picture of a parkway lined with vividly colored trees. Another post from a Mississippi friend and a view of some trees in the background with a bit of fall color on them. But at the forefront of the picture were rose and azalea bushes blooming. She marveled at the Mississippi Fall as she called it.
Yesterday, I went to visit my mother at the assisted living. As I pulled into the parking lot, I was pleasantly surprised by the color of the trees and the surrounding neighborhood trees. The colorful scenery inspired my mother. We went on a stroll outside when I greeted her. Soon, we ventured out onto the property to admire the beauty of creation.
I pointed out the color of the trees, but my mother struggled to make out their colors. Her limited vision was blurring it, but I soon realized she had found another way to make our outing worthwhile. She could see the ground and make out the shapes of the leaves against the asphalt, indicating that a particular function of her sight was intact.
After that, we began collecting leaves, and she could see the color of each of those leaves better. Posing with mums and pumpkins outside concluded our time together. Later, we strolled inside the elegantly decorated lobby. 
Mississippi certainly is not void of beauty, and I would not want you to get that idea. This time of year can hold a variety of temperatures, and sometimes the flower bushes bloom again. We have a gardenia bush that is blooming now. While it may seem strange, we can take in the peculiar timing and embrace the beauty. We get excited a jacket or coat is needed as we head outside. We enjoy hot chocolate, the first fire in the fireplace, and roasted marshmallows. Let’s not forget the abundance of fall festivals in most communities.
Knowing the cooler temps may not last or that a storm may come and rip the leaves to the ground, we appreciate the little joys. No matter what Fall or Autumn is doing in your area, each day is important and worthy of not just observing but living.
©Valerie Rumfelt
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Valerie Rumfelt 