As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel a sense of surprise that October is upon us once again. It’s a month that arrives with the rustle of fallen leaves and the crisp embrace of autumn’s chill, carrying with it the promise of change and transformation. Yet, as I reflect on the journey this year has taken me on, I find myself pondering the unexpected, devastating twists and turns that have marked my path.

The year began with January’s frost, but it was no ordinary frost. It was a chilling reminder that life can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Devastation, death, and grief swept into my world, leaving me grappling with the profound emotions that accompany loss.

In the days and weeks that followed, my year became a whirlwind of paperwork, a seemingly endless stream of forms and documents that demanded my attention. Grief, it seemed, had a bureaucratic side, one that kept me mired in the practicalities of moving forward.

Then, just as I thought I might find some respite, life had another curveball to throw my way. I found myself very sick. It was a fight I hadn’t anticipated. Yet, I faced it head-on, determined to emerge stronger on the other side. Everyone remarked, and still, that I’m a strong woman. I smirk sometimes when I hear such a phrase. I wish I didn’t have to be strong.

And as if that wasn’t enough, my loyal companion, my beloved dog, required surgery. It was yet another reminder that life’s storms can come from all directions, but we persevere, for the love and connection we share with those who walk beside us.

Now, here we are in October, a time traditionally associated with harvest, abundance, and reaping the rewards of hard work. It’s a month that brings with it the promise of good fortune and the hope that, perhaps, the worst is behind us.

I find myself yearning for a harvest of good fortune, a time to collect the fruits of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones. And if not a harvest of abundance, then at least a respite from the storms that have marked this year.