We went to the first home football game of our college today. Now, I'm not a huge football fan,but you've got to make a showing and you've got to root for the home team, right? Besides, I have a special relationship with fall. It's been under my skin for a long time now. So much of what I do is wrapped up in fall.
For years, I been in love with fall. I think- no, I know- it is my favorite season. I love it when you feel the air getting a bit crisp. I can't wait each year to pull out the woollies and sweaters and start dressing like the stereotypical "professor" with the cardigans and corduroys! (I know-I've got geek written all over me- sorry.) I love the athletic endeavors of fall. I coached for so many years; the smell of freshly mown grass and newly painted lines on the field just take me back to wonderful times pacing the sidelines and trying to encourage young people to be their best. I love the thrill of soccer games and especially the first ones you need to wear your jacket to or your long sleeve shirt under your jersey. I remember those triumphant times when, win or lose, personal bests were attained and spent players gloried in their own victories of the day. I also remember the tears shed and voices lost and blood spilt in beautiful striving for an honor unobtained at times. But it was in that valiant striving that the best lessons are learned.
I've been an educator for 24 years, and fall is obviously a time of renewal in that arena. In college, you get to meet a whole crop of newly minted freshmen every year. Some year's cohorts are clearly better than others. Well, this year, we've got a good one. They are enthusiastic, energetic and sincere. I have already immensely enjoyed working with them and getting to know them. They have brought a willingness to serve and a passion for life which renews me and my faith in mankind at every turn. I am constantly humbled and amazed by how ready they are to learn and much they have to teach.
And I love the breathtaking beauty of fall. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, arguably the most beautiful spot on earth,and it reaches its zenith in the fall. The Blue Ridge turn from their palette of blues to a symphonic overload of reds, oranges, burnt umbers and fiery yellows. The irony of the dying leaves bursting into such beautiful colors, and, in turn, giving life and happiness to those who see them has not been lost on this Virginia boy. What a way to go- in a burst of passion and flame!Oh that I may do likewise and give happiness and joy to those who encounter me before I drift to my next estate.
I do so love the fall.
By the way- the game-- we left at half time- we were winning 42-7! But fall is here!!
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1 comment:
What an evocative piece of writing. You certainly have a gift for covering lots of territory while at the same time keeping within one emotional "theme". Your words brought back floods of personal memories, some visual, some auditory--the woods in autumn, the myriad sounds at a football game--and even the lovely smells of that magical time of year. Thanks for reminding those of us in warmer climates that summer will end and the earth will put on that dazzling display for our enjoyment. Keep writing, I like the feelings your words provoke in me.
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