A simple leaf bouquet…then and now

Sometimes a childhood memory taps you on the shoulder when you least expect it.

I’m on a mission to take my 82-year-old mother on as many bucket list trips as possible. This month, we chased autumn across New Hampshire and Vermont, in search of fiery maples and golden hillsides.  It’s the kind of fall magic I grew up with in Ohio, but it’s scarce in Austin.

Somewhere along a quiet roadside blanketed in leaves, I remembered something I hadn’t thought about in decades.

As a little girl, I used to gather handfuls of bright maple leaves and tie them with a string to make a bouquet for my mom. It was simple. Free. Imperfect. And full of love.

So I did it again.

I picked a bunch of crimson and gold leaves, arranged them just like I used to, and handed them to her.

She looked at me, surprised at first. Then her eyes softened with a memory that didn’t need words.

In the rush of life, we forget how healing it is to return to the simple things that once made us feel connected—to ourselves and to the people we love.

What’s one childhood memory you’d like to recreate?

If you’re lucky enough to have your parents still, call them.

Share that memory. Let them hear the warmth in your voice.

Life goes fast. Let’s make time to reflect and express appreciation for the special moments that stay with us.  I guarantee it will make their day.

#childhoodmemories
#lifeslittlemoments