A Tiny Tribute to September

Teegan Ryan Kase

The last days of summer are quickly fading away and the cool crispness that announces fall's arrival are a reminder of the days ahead. I have always loved autumn and the beauty of it's fiery reds, bright gold and burnt orange hues. I always feel exhilarated as I walk along the pathways surrounded by colorful foliage and the crunching of fallen leaves beneath my footsteps. I never mourn the end of summer as I realize that season's must change, as people must change with the passage of time.

This September marks the beginning of yet another transition within our family with the early arrival of our greatest pre autumn gift. My beautiful grandson, Teegan, entered the hearts and souls of his mother, father, grandparents, aunts and uncles and all else who will learn to know and love him, on the eve of September 3, 2011. There are those who look upon this month with sadness and loss. Yes, a terrible event occured on 9/11 2001, yet I can't help but think the birth of this wonderful child is meant to be a light in the darkness on what is soon to be the tenth anniversary of this tragic event. For every evil there is good, for every sorrow there is joy.

In the months and years ahead, I will celebrate my grandson's birthday with happiness and gratitude. I will respectfully pay tribute to those whose lives were needlessly snuffed out by vengeance and hatred, on yet another anniversary of 9/11. There is another date I will softly mourn on September 14, when another gentle spirit passed beyond the veil of earth to become an angelic spirit. I also rejoice in the honor it was to have known this courageous 13 year old boy. On the eve of the autumn equinox, I will celebrate the coming season with reverance and gratitute for my many blessings.

Appreciate those in your life whom you dearly love and make the most of your time here on earth. Life is among the greatest of texbooks in which we must always strive to learn. Celebrate the coming season and enjoy all of it's offerings. I send love and healing to those who have suffered loss in the month of September as I rejoice in the birthdate of my grandson.

I dedicate these heartfelt words to my grandson Teegan, the victims of 9/11 and their
family's and my guardian angel, Cameron David Allen and his dear father Henry.