On autumn’s splendor, family memories and boys playing with fire

A month’s worth of family-related activities made October speed by in a whirlwind of autumn leaves. Suddenly, fall – with its clear blue skies, bright orange pumpkins and stunning foliage in hues of yellow, red and umber – has been replaced by a grey, leaden ceiling where occasional beams of light provide hope that, perhaps, the sun still shines somewhere.

On a soggy November morning, it’s especially pleasing to recall special times in a brilliant October. These are the thoughts that helped to brighten some sun-less days in the past week.

A trip north to Charlevoix always creates warm, comforting memories. The timing was perfect in early October for a fall ‘color tour’ – hillsides blazing with the colors of autumn on the highways and byways from Cadillac ‘upward.’

This is the trip that normally would have been made with my father and mother – Daddy ensconced in the back seat of whatever car I had at the time, and Mom dozing happily in the front passenger seat. While their physical presence was impossible on this color tour, the spirit of each was close by – Daddy commenting on a particularly beautiful woodlot while my Mom repeated the mantra, "This is just the best color we’ve ever seen." On this drive, a new traveling companion breathed fresh life into that phrase.

‘Charlevoix the Beautiful’ held the same allure as always – the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan, and more important, a lovely little granddaughter. Ella will soon be joined by a new baby brother or sister. Mom and Dad are anxiously awaiting that occasion – privately guarding the chosen name of their new son or daughter – and hoping that the new little one doesn’t come quite as far ahead of the planned delivery date as Ella did.

A day trip the following weekend allowed my Mom to see the fall colors she loves so much. The starting point for the Sunday afternoon drive was rather unusual – Mt. Rest Cemetery – but utterly appropriate. The route west and north – Maple Rapids to Perrinton, and looping back through Hubbardson and Lebanon Township – ended in a stop at Quality Dairy in Fowler. While the day-to-day routine for my Mom has been altered dramatically in the past six months, her sweet tooth remains unchanged.

Back-to-back events on the weekend of Oct. 24-26 created some unforgettable sights. Sarah Buysse – a terrific compatriot at the office and personal friend – was all smiles walking down the aisle toward the love of her life, Jeff Gray. It was a beautiful wedding, and fun reception where the new Mr. and Mrs. Gray showed their dance class moves – not enough ‘ooo’s’ in ‘smooth’ for this couple.

We celebrated the fifth birthday of the lovely Gwendolyn on the same weekend – as impossible as it seems, my first grandchild is a Kindergarten student this year. Her lovely face and happy chatter never fails to bring a smile to my eyes – as does her little brother, Caleb. What a pair.

The birthday celebration turned into a extended family gathering. The ‘Grand Rapids’ crew arrived in full force; three nephews, aged 7 to 9, and a 10-year-old niece pretty much raised the rafters at the old house on Forest Hill Road – aided and abetted by an ‘older’ accomplice who remains a kid at heart.

A discussion around the fire pit after a hot dog roast gave rise to a very deep, philosophical commentary on the eternal question of differences between ‘boys and girls.’

"Guys have cooler stuff than girls," Jake, the most vocal of the youthful male trio, stated – as he and the other ‘guys’ poked and prodded at the burning logs. "We can get dirty – we don’t have to wash our hands – and we have lots more cooler toys and games."

Little boys playing with fire – another constant in a world of change.

The feeling of family came full circle on the first Sunday in November – All Souls Day at Most Holy Trinity Church in Fowler. Although my sister, Sherry, and my Mom were not able to attend the Mass of Remembrance, my brother, Rollie, and I were honored to light a candle for my father, Clemens Kloeckner, at the church he had attended all 89 years of his life.

The loving support of a companion, Wayne, and Rollie’s wife, Marilyn, enhanced the feeling of peace that the Mass provided, as did the Most Holy Trinity parish family. They made us feel very welcome – just as they did this past May when our father passed away. We are most appreciative of their genuine care and concern. It helps ease the pain of the grieving process which continues each and every day.

October with its beauty is gone - while November, despite its gray dark skies, holds the promise of a new grandchild in Charlevoix, a continually growing love and much to be grateful for on Thanksgiving Day.