Month: November 2024

Embrace the Fall: Make Lasting Memories – The Thankful Challenge

There is something wonderful about the expectation and anticipation that comes with each new season. I am always ready for the changing temperatures, the landscape’s natural redecoration, and the gathering of friends and family that go along with each season. Sometimes nature gets a little tricky, teasing and taunting us with glimpses of the next season before reminding us it’s not quite time yet. Even if it is just a glimpse, I know the new season is right around the corner. I bask in those warmer temperatures after a cold winter or find relief in the cooler temperatures after the dog days of summer.

Winter delivers the cold crisp air and the snowy (or mostly icy in NC) landscapes. Spring brings with it all the beautiful flowers and more moderate temperature (also pollen for which I am not so thankful, achoo!). Summer brings with it perfect beach weather. I really love the beach. Each season has its own unique character but there is something special about the Fall. The family gatherings are sweeter (Pumpkin pie? S’mores? Yes please!) and the warm tones of the season seem to wrap you like the snuggliest blanket. Everything about fall gives me feelings and memories of home, family, and good food.

In the busyness of life, the Fall season urges me to slow down, to take it all in. Go for a walk and watch the landscape as it transitions from brilliant green to vibrant red, orange, yellow, and purple. Fireplaces billow for the first time shaking off the dust that has settled since their last fire of winter. Scents of pumpkin spice and apple spice waft from every corner coffee shop. All of these scenes and scents together bring back so many memories from my childhood.

My friends and I loved going on hayrides under the backdrop of the beautiful fall trees before spending nights by the campfire. Who can forget the sticky s’mores, followed by the debate of who roasted the best marshmallow. (The slow roast to golden brown marshmallow is definitely the best.) Warm apple cider warmed our hands as we sat by the fire in the chill of the fall evening. Of course, someone had to tell a scary ghost story while their accomplice friend jumped out of the woods. But that was all part of the fun. I always expected that jump scare but somehow was never prepared for it. Some of my best memories were made spending time with friends by the glow of the campfire.

I am so thankful for all the memories of Fall from my youth. I am even more thankful for every chance I get to make new memories with my children. Now that my children are growing up and moving out of the house, I feel a new sense of urgency to make the most of every moment I have with them. It makes me think of the leaves falling off the trees urging me to make the most of fall memories before the winter arrives. Realizing time was growing short, we built a fire pit in our yard so friends can come over and create lifelong memories around their own “campfire.” The colorful leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the campfire as the sun begins to set. We’ve lost a few marshmallows to the fire pit but overall it’s been a great success. Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars are always on hand to make sure we are ready at a moment’s notice.

When you have a moment, I encourage you to take some time to build your own campfire. Make your own fall memories. Even if they are not memories that last a lifetime, you will have a wonderful time making the most of time with friends and family. Enjoy Fall! Enjoy the sights and smells of the season. Make the most of the beautiful landscape before it disappears. How many memories have you made so far this fall? How many more can you make before the leaves are gone and winter is here? What is your favorite fall memory?

Please leave a comment with your favorite fall memory or ideas to make new memories.

Honoring Veterans: The Importance of Listening

Today was the day to thank a veteran. The day we appreciate their service to our country. What if we extended this to more than just a day? What if we recognized veterans out in public, offered a word of encouragement, bought them a coffee, or just sat down to have a conversation with them.

One day, instead of thanking and moving along, I took a moment to stop and listen. What I heard was both enlightening and heartbreaking. The following is from a conversation I shared with a Vietnam Veteran.

If I see a veteran (or active military), I always make an effort to say, “Thank you for your service.” I hope veterans hear that phrase a lot and with sincerity. I was at the lake one day and was going to the front office to sign out our boats. I noticed a man wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat signing out his fishing boat. “Thank you for your service,” I said. He smiled politely and said, “Thank you.” Then he proceeded to tell me a story that made my heart sink.

He shared a story with me that was heavy on his heart. A story he had been continuously recalling since the Vietnam War. I am certain other Vietnam Veterans have similar stories. After he said, “Thank you,” he paused for a moment and followed with, “You know, it wasn’t always this way.” I had not intended to keep him from fishing but he needed to share so I needed to listen.

At first, I wasn’t certain what he meant, “It wasn’t always this way.” Then he proceeded to tell me about his return to the States after the Vietnam War. Instead of being greeted as a hero people were aggressive toward him; spurred on by the war time protests. On more than one occasion, people spit in his face, and shouted at him because he so dutifully served his country. They didn’t understand what sacrifices he made to go to Vietnam or maybe they did and didn’t care. He was proud to serve his country but the grief and aggression he faced when he came home, “Made (his) life hell.” The horrors he faced during the war only to return to the hate of his own countrymen must have been unbearable.

We talked for a little while and I was struck by his composure. He was stoic but I could see the hurt in his eyes, like he was reliving the moments as he was telling me his story. He spoke about a heart-rending time from his past that he could never forget. I could not take back what had happened to him so many years ago. All I could do was apologize that he was ever treated that way and make sure he knew I was grateful for his service.

The conversation was brief but impactful. I wish I could have talked with him longer. I had so many questions but I could see that his fishing boat was calling. (And who was I to stand between a veteran and his day of fishing on the lake?)

I learned a very important lesson that day. Listen. Don’t just say, “Thank you for your service,” and move along. Veterans have stories to tell. Stories I cannot even fathom. We are privileged to live in this great and free country because of the sacrifices they made. The very least we can do is take a moment to listen to their story. I am thankful this Vietnam Veteran chose to share his story with me, no matter how brief it was. I haven’t seen him since but I sure hope he had a wonderful time fishing on the lake that day.