September

September, the threshold to my favorite time of year--back to school, catching up with friends after summers away, baking again--apple crisp and cranberry bread, a certain order that comes from the regular routine. I usually anticipate it all with a particular autumn joy. This year though, I'm over my head at school, a dear friend is just beginning her chemotherapy journey, financial complications and more medical concerns... Where's the joy? I think this year I'll have to settle for mere contentment. That's enough for now. God have mercy.