what is a perfect fall day?

just what is it that makes a single fall day stand apart from the others,

that etches it into the memory in such a way that in years to come

it will be recalled as an ideal fall day,

the one against which all others are measured?

for me, it is warm sunshine after a spell of cold, wet weather that speaks

of the winter to come;

it is sunshine warm enough to need no coat

when setting out on the longest walk yet since the accident,

a real, true walk with no walker or crutches,

along the ditches and out around the fields behind our property;

it is the last blaze of color before leaves give in to the pull of gravity

and fall to return to the earth as topsoil;

it is sunlight falling at unmistakeable angles,

sending shadows long and leaning northward;

it is isolated clouds in pure forms,

floating in a sea of deep blue;

it is clear, crisp air to fill the lungs,

invigorating and energizing;

it is heightened awareness that makes the landscape

so incredibly beautiful that it brings tears to the eyes;

it is a touching moment when the husband

runs to the end of the arena to let the horses into the turnout,

and you watch as all seven horses break into a run behind him;

it is a moment of peace when you know

that this is what happiness is,

and that life is so good;

and finally, the sun hits that one tree just so

before making its descent behind the mountains…

today i believe we nailed it.