A Fall Memory Is Born

There are some things I'd loved to have had a picture of, if for no other reason than for others to remember those moments. It's not always possible. Some of us have to rely on memories. Every once in a while, we are a part of an event or day that sticks out. We, hopefully, will be remembered for those moments.

Today is the first day of Fall. For the historical records, it is September 22, 2024. What a day it's been!

I don't say that in a negative way. Fall has set in, and cooler temperatures are upon us. The clouds are thick, and the skies gray. The witching season is coming in fast. For many, it's a favorite time of year.

It's time to get the sweatshirts and your favorite jackets, boots, and gloves out. It's time to work outside without feeling like you're in a sauna. If you choose to accept these pleasures, football games, bonfires, and crisp nights are upon you,

2024 was a rough year. And that applies to more people this year than any year in recent memory.

As the year is rapidly drawing to a close, it's easy to look back and question, "What in the ever living hell?" But is that what you want to remember?

What we've seen is worth forgetting. We've seen a president fall apart and a contender face not one but two assassination attempts. The economy is, according to some, on the edge of tanking. And don't get people started on global security, conflict, or immigration.

Some of those people will forever be remembered, but not in positive ways. We can still take it into our hands to be remembered well.

Making positive memories is a good idea for many reasons. How do you want people to remember you someday?

As the cooler grip of fall wrapped its fingers around Galesburg, Illinois a new memory was born. It wasn't exciting. It wasn't rambunctious, and yet it meant the world.

It was an early morning drink with a seven-year-old whiz at conversation. Of course, this was instead of writing, quiet time, or getting much done. Yes, it was worth every minute spent.

Sitting and enjoying the first fall morning over a cup of coffee, and a cup of juice, as we watched a slight drizzle and water drops draining from the tree leaves, was the easiest morning imaginable.

It occurred to me, over that hot up of Folger's with pumpkin spice creamer, that this was a good way to be remembered, many, many years from now when I'm gone.

As the year comes to the last quarter, and we all get ready for another go around the sun, what kind of legacy are we leaving behind? How can we improve our lives in meaningful and guaranteed ways? It seems doable, doesn't it? How about some ideas?

Getting back to nature: Does anyone remember 2020? There was this thing called the pandemic. How did you cope with the lack of personal freedom that was thrust upon you by the world's leaders? Did you freak out, get depressed, or start to pour yourself into a bottle of booze?

In 2020, fishing saw record-high participation. There were 54.7 million people who returned to nature that year. It was an outlet and something many of us missed as we got older and had less free time. It also provided the same experience as a nature walk, kayaking, hiking, or visiting a park. It's believable that the outdoor adventure gear market was one of the boom markets during COVID-19.

People need to spend time getting back to simpler things. It's good for the soul and a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself and others. It will also simplify your life, and improve your wellbeing, if you commit it's the smallest and most meaningful way to feel better about the world.

If you have a little one to enjoy it with, even a grandkid, make sure to take them for a night once in a while and spend that outdoor time with them. They'll appreciate it, and they'll remember it.

As ugly as adulthood can be, it's important to turn days like this into pleasant opportunities and seize upon chances to make good memories for people to look back on. None of us are getting out of this alive, so take the time to slow down and smell the roses.

I still think about time with my grandpa, fishing, being outdoors, and my first cup of coffee. Kiddo will have to wait a few more years. Seven's a bit young to start them on caffeine.