FALL

Well tomorrow marks the beginning of my favorite season...FALL!
Since I was a little girl...Fall has always been my favorite time of the year.
Fall reminds me of:
Playing with the boys and Jenny in the neighborhood
Fires
Colorful leaves
Soft wind
Cool temperatures
Football
New clothes
Decorating
Thanksgiving
& of course...My Dad
Every year when the temperatures begin to drop and Fall rolls around I feel an even closer connection to my dad.
It must be something about the childhood memories of being outside with him in Redwater. Working in the yeard, raking leaves, fires...etc!
I miss those days so bad. And truthfully...if I could, I would rewind the clock and stay in those moments forever!
Fall to me is a time of new beginnings...the leaves change and fall, but to me...it's not an end....it's the beginning of something very beautiful even though it last for only 'a moment'.
Fall is a very emotional time of the year for me. Since my dad passed away in the Fall of 2003 the season has just meant something much more than it ever has.
You see....my dad was in my life for what seems like just a moment in the grand scheme of things...19 years. Even though he is gone, I feel him in every aspect of my life. Even though his life on earth was over...it was just the beginning of something very beautiful.
During theses past 5 years there has not been a single day that has gone by that I don't long to see my dad, to hear his voice, to smell his cologne, to see his beautiful smile. He meant the world to me as I did to him. He pushed me harder than anyone ever has...because he knew what was inside of me and what I was capable of. He was my #1 fan, #1 supporter, and #1 motivator. With him and my mom as parents, I was the most loved child in all of the world! Their love, support, and guidance still continues to shape me in all that I do today.
So Fall reminds me of many things for many reasons.
I can rejoice today because Fall is not the end...it's just the beginning of something very beautiful!
~Amanda West~