Remembering

Mom and Dad Fall Leaves 2003, originally uploaded by sherrylewisb.

Four years ago, I spent a day driving my parents through the mountains so they could see the fall leaves. We were a little late getting out to take our drive because I had a book due, and my mom and dad were content to wait until I'd shipped it off to my editor. My dad, who had lost most of his eyesight to macular degeneration, sat in the front seat, where, if he turned his head just-so, he could actually see well enough to take pictures of the scenery. We had a great time that day, even though the leaves were nearly gone. I'd expected the air to be cool and crisp, but you can see by what my mom and dad were wearing that it was actually quite warm. My dad passed away last October, before I could take them out to see the leaves again, and as the leaves begin to turn this year, I find myself thinking about the last time we drove up into the mountains to look at the leaves together. I'm so glad I snapped a couple of pictures of my parents that day.