By Bruce Stambaugh
A Belted Kingfisher flew furiously over the fresh mown hay towards a neighbor’s pond. Breakfast was likely on its mind.
My farmer neighbor hitched his workhorses and teddered the hay to help it dry. The Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, and Cliff Swallows circled the productive locomotion and devoured every insect the man, the machine and his faithful team dispersed.
A refreshing north wind eased the day’s early humidity. No need for a calendar. All signs pointed to August’s end.
A few trees had already begun to transition from their chlorophyll green to their disguised shades. Even before the berries on the dogwoods blushed bright red, the trees’ leaves curled and revealed hints of crimson and lavender.
My energetic wife had already deadheaded the once lovely hosta blooms that adorned the leafy plants in her luscious flower gardens. The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and various butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects had completed their instinctive work.
The hydrangea bush bloomed full and pure against the garden shed. It demanded daily watering in August’s heat and dryness.
Juvenile birds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Song Sparrows and Blue Jays among them, found the feeders and the birdbaths on their own. Another aviary generation will forge into fall and winter without knowing what lies ahead as if any of us do.
The acrobatics of the American Goldfinches provided free entertainment as they worked over the volunteer sunflowers that sprouted from bird feeder droppings. Fresh food is not just a human preference.
The big yellow school buses began carting anxious and enthusiastic children alike to and from school. I waved to the drivers as they passed me on my walk.
People often ask me if I miss those days; if I don’t have some innate longing to return to my first career. The short answer is, “No, I don’t.”
I loved the children, whether teaching or being their principal. I greatly enjoyed the interactions of parents and staff members, even when we disagreed. I have no resentments or regrets. Neither do I have any wish to reenlist.
My life has moved on. I am the same person, just at a different place in my turn at life’s cycle. I have fond, fond memories of my teaching days and principal days. But now I have neither the desire nor energy to compete in today’s educational whirlwind too often driven by politics instead of common sense.
I would rather sit on my back porch, as I am now, taking in the world as each moment flashes by. I don’t want to miss anything. I want to rise each day to enjoy the sunrise and bid farewell to the evening light that dims all too soon.
Each day is an opportunity to live, to be alive, to help others, to listen, to look, to breath, to pray silently, to work diligently for peace in a troubled world. That is my challenge now.
August has come and gone, always too fast, always too hot and dry. August melds into September.
We can only embrace it, for there are marvelous days ahead. I’ll watch for them whether from my back porch or wherever I might be, knowing that too many in the world will not have the pastoral view or luxuriousness of trusting neighbors that like mine.
It’s my duty to share goodness and joy with others as my life, too, passes from August into September. Isn’t that the real responsibility of all of us at any age?
© Bruce Stambaugh 2015
So, so much here resonated. Your view of it all was fascinating, and a good reminder. To retire in the place you sit, is to your credit. Your neighbors, priceless, as they say. Reflections on education today, poignant and well cured. Good.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jeffrey, for your very kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
All the best,
Bruce
LikeLike
The sounds and feels of August – certain incessant insect sounds, the occasional turning leaf, the hint of fall in the air – always speak “Time to put up bulletin boards and get my classroom ready!” and tug at my heart. Always, every summer. But, I’m like you – perfectly content to let others take up that joyous task and move on to other things myself.
LikeLike
Wow, Ava! I didn’t know you were once a teacher. Thanks for sharing.
Bruce
LikeLike
So grateful to live in that part of our country where we have seasons, each with its unique characteristics and mission. Thanks for your commentary. Your words, beautifully expressed, are, beyond descriptive, thought provocative and reflective, causing one to pause and inventory one’s blessings.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your kind words, Trudy. They are greatly appreciated.
Bruce
LikeLike
Bruce, I was so absorbed with teaching nostalgia that I neglected to say your post is par excellent! In multiple aspects. Your connection of the natural season to life and what we are called to do/be is beautifully stated.
I think the Amish are equally blessed to have you as their neighbor.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Ava. That means a lot to me.
Blessings,
Bruce
LikeLike