Our son, Chuk is a true Michigander with the heart of a poet. He lives in Grand Rapids, and, along with his day-job is pioneering a candle-making business called Red Jacket Candle Company. I have invited him to contribute a guest post today.
My breath hung in the air as if it were being played back in slow motion. The cold air pinched my cheeks as I walked to the car. I turned the key in the ignition and the engine spins then roars. I turned the heater knob from its summer resting place in the blue and flopped it over midway through the red. I turned to head home beneath the trees half green half fire engine red. In front of the hardware store the pallets of mulch are replaced by colorful mountains of mums. At the coffee shop the folks have moved from the shade of the umbrellas inside to the “comfy” chairs. The conversations have turned from the vacations of summer, back to school and work.
When I was young I lived at the end of a dead end road. It wasn’t always a dead end. There was once a bridge but that had been washed away years ago. The result was our very own hiking trail that ran back about a half mile to a river. I used to run and play on that abandoned road with my older brother. One year about the time the leaves started turning and the air was too, my dad took us for a walk. We walked back that road till we saw a gap in the trees. Standing high above corn fields that ran out into what seemed like eternity my dad stopped. “You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance” he said. I assumed it was a bible verse, but didn’t know which. My dad chuckled with gratitude and we walked on but my mind stayed there. Even now my mind goes back.
The smell of pumpkin hugs me as I open the door, soft music plays in my sisters room. It seems I am not alone when I say “Welcome back Autumn we missed you”.
If you enjoyed Chuk’s piece leave a comment for him below. He’s a social guy.
Lois
Great Job Charles! You have your dads gift of writing. I love you,
MOM
Bea Abbott
Like father like son. You have inherited a wonderful gift of expression and I hope this will be a first of many wonderful stories in the future. I miss your family.
Bea Abbott
Nancy Simmonds
Hi Chuk,
Honestly, normally I do not like the Autumn because it means Winter is coming…I don’t like the bitter cold! But today, I’m so glad I read your blog! It warmed my heart enough that I’m hoping I will enjoy Autumn this year. You brought a bright spot in my day and I thank you so much. Blessings, Chuk!
Kyle
I remember that moment well and a thousand other Autumn moments. Beautiful
Christy
Good job, Chuck. That is beautiful. Keep it up 🙂
GRAMS
I can feel it already and I especially liked being able to put on a nice warm sweater yesterday….and look forward to wearing my leather boots soon….
You do have the gift…. keep it up
Bev
Great writing! I hope your dad includes some of your reflections in his next book! 😀
Michelle
I love this! Great detail; felt like I was there with you in your car, at the coffe shop,and on your walk. A little creepy for you, maybe, but fun for me!:-) it’s amazing how what we as parents speak stays with our kids. We just never know what their minds will grab hold of, mull over, and have a lasting impact on them. So thankful for your dad and his godly speech and character! I am enjoying my Red Jacket pumpkin candle!! Heavenly autumn scent!