...grateful

I noticed yesterday that the tree these beautiful golden yellow leaves fell from is completely bare. Less than a week ago Thea discovered the wonder of the autumnal ritual of playing in these leaves under a tree still covered in foliage. We actually spent several days playing there and I watched her progress from the stage of certain hesitation to touch them, to the sheer joy of tossing them with a giddy "whee!" into the air of a perfect fall day. What awakened me yesterday was the God-gift of those moments. So many years, seasons, the leaves, they drop and blow away while I'm not looking- and the moments of awe and belly-deep joy with them. This year, this time, under this tree, they fell upon a grateful grandmother and this precious tot, and I am beyond grateful I didn't miss it.