Beyond FRIDAY: Scouting for…A Halloween Thaw

Yes, this is what it really looks like in Denver right now…autumn leaves mixed with snow, snow and more snow. I look at this photo and then switch over to Simply Wait and the bright photo of autumn leaves Patry Francis has posted and understand why the rest of the country is so surprised we’ve been hit with a snowstorm already. This is Colorado, though, and surprise storms in the fall and spring are part of the landscape. Those of us who love to ski aren’t complaining, I can tell you that.

While at Simply Wait, take the time to read Patry’s memorable post on “best moments.” My parents seem to make it into much of my free writing, and the comment I left on Patry’s blog was no exception:

“My dad always walked in the door and gave my mom a hug. He ran a U-Haul business while my mom ran a household of eleven kids. Needless to say, she was exhausted by the time he came home, and I could see her—and my dad—touch base and gather strength to finish the day within that brief embrace each evening. What a gift they gave their watchful daughter in those best moments.”

We all have them…best moments. Thankfully writers like Patry are around to remind us to recognize them as they happen, recall them when we’re in need of comfort, and share them with those we love. I have a feeling my kiddos will remember this Halloween fondly regardless of the weather, and as each year goes by I’m beginning to understand how important it is for them to have their own best moments to savor and share. Hugging comes naturally around here, but maybe this wintry Halloween weekend we’ll try to slow down (okay, I’LL try to slow down) long enough to really touch base, gather strength, and add to our family’s collection of best moments any way we can.

Photo © Denver Post