Ramblings on a Late Summer Walk

There’s something melancholy in the changing of seasons. Like reading the last pages of a captivating novel whose characters you’ve invested in and you don’t want to end. Like the final days of vacation. Like those last visits with faraway family when you don’t know when you’ll meet again.

The end of summer induces melancholy, anxiety, angst. We stress the start of new and regimented routines. The end of more carefree days. Even in 2020, in the wake of Covid, where we’ve experienced the oddest summer of our lives: canceled trips, strict rules and restrictions, limits on gatherings and celebrations, etc. And on that note, the concern about cold weather thrusting us back indoors and away from each other yet again.

It’s a sweltering day here in Chicago. The temperature is 89° with 55% humidity, yet the “feels like” temp is 96. In these days with stagnant air and the beating of the sun’s intense rays, we struggle to imagine a crisp, cold day. Yet we see the evidence that it’s coming. Truthfully, we’ve seen it for weeks.

No more blooming buds, the colorful flowers beginning to wither. The betrayal of trees once verdant, altering, assuming drab shades of ocher. Some skip that stage and proceed to a shriveled brown; those dried leaves are already beginning to fall. The signs are there, creeping up on us like a thief in the night. Now getting more brazen, preparing for what’s to come.

Yet I’m reminded just what’s coming. Like a brand-new chapter, a fresh start, the opening of a much-anticipated book, we’ll proceed to a new season. Each conveys its own splendor. While we may lament the return to school and activities, the loss of our halcyon days, this new season will dawn like a new day. The curtain will soon rise on a dazzling fall show.

As I walk this morning, I liken the changing of the leaves to a glorious sunset—the colors dancing in the air. Perhaps the end of summer is like the end of the day. But every sunset brings the promise of a new day. This sunset of summer invites the colorful show that will unfold in the weeks to come.

As trees prepare for their slumber, they’ll give us that final gift. What a send-off! And nature plans this in a way that the performance lasts for several weeks, each tree species taking a turn, providing us time to acclimate. And to revel in every moment. Get ready. Before the leaves begin their descent, they’ll bedazzle us with all shades of amber, russet, honey, brilliant scarlets, and golden yellows.

As the mercury falls, we’ll prepare for yet another new season. And the cycle of life continues. Yes, there is melancholy in the change of seasons, but there is also joy. Each day, each new season is a new beginning. A chance for us to leave the old behind and take on something new. To start again. Another shot. One door closes, but another always opens.

Let’s not lament the loss of summer. Let’s welcome fall with enthusiasm, and open arms. If we’ve learned anything in 2020, it’s that life is short. It’s precious. Let’s enjoy every single, solitary moment. Don’t forget there are pumpkins and Halloween and all sorts of fun to come. And don’t fret—summer will be back next year.