AUTUMN: "I am so glad to live in a world where there's an October..." 

From Anne of Green Gables...L.M. Monygomery

Tuesday, I flew over the mountains, past the plains and then the plane banked over the verdant Missouri River Valley, and below I could glimpse the trees in their autumn finery-gold, and crimson, mellow in the fading October sun. Off the plane, the north wind gusted, and whispered, "winter is not far behind."

"That time of year when thou mayesr behold,

when yellow leaves, or none too few do hang upon those boughs which shake against the cold, bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang...Wm. Shakesphere...Sonnets

I came home to Omaha once again, to bury Joanie a vibrant spirit, and friend of 59 years. And this following in the last few months the deaths of friends and relatives of Jim, 77 years of friendship, Jerry, 63 years, Carol 78 years,  Carolyn, 3 years. That totals 280 years of relationships, caring, and sharing! Have you ever thought of your relationships in a cumulative way? They will add up to a treasury of years and memories. And yet the winter winds have swept away the years, and looking back the time seems too short at all!

October is a mellow time to remember, to cherish, to be grateful for our harvest of friends and relatives. To recall the many ways they have gladdened our hearts.

In the Introit of this Sunday's Liturgy, we pray, "guard me as the apple of your eye." Indeed, God has planted each of us in his vineyard, and as dear friends pass away we can appreciate each of them as "the apple of God's eye."

Autumn, the most dramatic of all the seasons, can remind us of time passing. And it is a grace filled time. And so at this mellow time, I invite rou to reflect on these wise words of  Henri Frederic Amiel:

"Remember life is short, and we have too little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be quick to be kind, make haste to love. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, Haoly Spirit be with you now and always!"