By Ammie Bryant
October is normally my favorite month of the year. I love the cooler weather, the changing leaves, and mums and pumpkins on doorsteps. I especially love Stillwater in the fall. There is just something special about this town during this season.
This month would normally be filled with fun events, activities, and gatherings culminating at the end of the month with Halloween and America’s Greatest Homecoming. But things are different this year. America’s Greatest Homecoming has been postponed until next year and so have the City sponsored events of the Mummy and Son dance and the Downtown Halloween festivities.
This year is different. It has made me slow down and re-evaluate my priorities. It has made me realize how much we need community and connection to others. I miss fall football festivities. I miss socializing with friends and family. I miss the kids being able to attend school without worry of exposure to a virus that may or may not have lasting harmful effects on them or someone we know and love. I miss their school activities and performances. I miss “normal.”
But it is still October and there is still much to celebrate and enjoy. There are birthdays to celebrate along with the changing of the season. The weather has already begun to get cooler. The leaves are changing and pumpkin-spice everything season is here. So this fall, I may not get to enjoy the gatherings and get-togethers but I can enjoy what has not changed and that is the beauty around me and those special people I am fortunate to have as part of my circle during this much slower season.
Until next time, onward!
