Fall & Feelings

On this day one decade ago, we tromped out into the backyard and Mikey found lots of leaves.  We unwrapped some crayons so we could turn them on their side. We put the leaves under the paper and pressed down with the side of the crayon to make a leaf rubbing.

Looking at this entry, I’m reminded of a book my mom got me when I was little. I still have it and I read it every Fall, even though my kids haven’t listened to the story since they were little.

In September of 1982, I lost my hero. My Papa died of acute granulocidic leukemia. We had a special bond and I was devastated. That year, when the leaves began to fall from the trees,  I was still deeply sad and trying to process his passing. I was asking so many questions and my mom was still processing losing her father. This book helped her to help me begin to understand the loss of this iconic figure (in all of our lives).

The dedication inside the book says:

Dedicated to all children who have ever suffered a permanent loss, and to the grownups who could not find a way to explain it.

This beautiful little book takes the metaphor of the falling leaves and uses it to address the big fears that some kids have about dying. The author shares his vision of a life’s purpose, a reason for being. He reminds us that just as we approached each previous season of life without fear, we need not fear death. It is not based on one religion, but it does end as the seasons come around to Spring and the last words of the book are, “The Beginning.”

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is still available on amazon as an audiobook. I highly recommend it for any family trying to process the loss of a loved one.