Written by: Jennifer Williams
@jenwillwrite | jennifernwilliams.com
As the leaves fade into their warm colors and the cooler wind whispers by, we’re reminded that change is here. But the fall season can feel as though it lasts just a moment. One day, we’re running through the splash pad, trying to stay cool in the warm summer heat. The next day, the first snowfall brings a quiet and cold stillness to our front doors. Where did the season go and how did I miss it?
Lately, I’ve felt this way about how fast time is moving, especially with my son. I’ve found myself rejoicing through memory as I scroll through my photo library. While some photos are posed, many are candid. We’ve had dance parties, moments of surprise, silly mistakes, and countless smiles. Though many moments feel so far away, like seasons, I’ve embraced how we grow and change. And while being a parent is also like embodying ten people at one time, the captured photos tell me that even in the busy or uncertain times, all is well – and all will be.
Recently, a memory of fall popped up on my phone. In the photo, leaves covered the ground like a warm blanket. I remember the day being slightly chilly with clear skies. Our beautiful German Shepherd, Nala, who has since passed away peacefully, stared at my then four-year-old son as he struck a pose in his Dino Fury Red Power Ranger costume. It was Halloween day at preschool and he’d picked it out on his own. To remember the moment, I snapped a quick photo before we headed to school, and also because he looked so cute!
But that joyful moment marked the end of an era. Soon after the photo, our family split, and life began to shift. It was a hard season, but thankfully, my son didn’t notice much of a difference. For me, with sadness also came the space for new beginnings. Like fall, my internal leaves were changing colors. It was a quiet invitation to begin again and redefine what life, love, and tradition could look like in this new season for us.
From fall leaves to the gentle winter snow, our new traditions started on Christmas Eve. Themed pajamas were on before dinner time, we enjoyed good food, and then my son’s favorite part of the night, aside from going to sleep excited for Santa — we baked gingerbread cookies from scratch. While we were in our Christmas pajamas, kneading the dough, my son began singing:
“Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, life is but a dream.”
Without him noticing, I whipped out my phone and snapped a few photos and videos of him singing. The song choice, while innocent, was deeply profound for the moment. And he’s right. As we row down the stream of life, it’s better to be cheerful because we are truly living out our dreams, one day at a time.
This remains one of my favorite memories. I often look back on those photos with a grateful heart, and sometimes a few joyful tears. I’m sad to report the gingerbread cookies were a little inedible, but “Santa” loved them! And now, almost three years later, we are looking forward to what kind of cookies we will try to bake this year. They might be our best ones yet.
As the fall season brings change, I’m embracing more seasons of growth, more baking, more costumes, and more moments to celebrate. I’m grateful for the memories we can reflect on and the ones we will create and capture. This year for Halloween, my son, now seven years old, has decided to be the Green Ranger from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers era. And yes, I will take several photos for us both to look back on.
Because no matter the season, love is first in our home and it’s the foundation our little family was always built on and what I’ve always dreamed about while gently rowing down the stream.
Jen Williams is a writer grounded in reflective storytelling, drawing inspiration from everyday moments. She is currently writing her first novel.
