One of my sweetest memories in the Autumn was going to a Fall Fair with the girls and my family. It involved loud ear-piercing music, sugar laden candy floss, big greasy French fries (yum), long line ups for rides, huge crowds of people, but most of all; it also involved big smiles from the girls.

They had a limit to the amount of money spent on rides and when that was done, they visited the farm animals and tried a few games on the mid-way. My first year as a single mom, the girl’s Aunt thought they each needed a fish and paid for them to play ring toss to acquire such a  pet.  At that time they were 7 and 4 years old.  Result: My sister-in-law paid about 10 times the amount for a 25 cent fish!

Each of my daughters left the booth excited to be holding a bag full of water and a baby fish . To their horror, one bag had fallen over in the van leaving one without the much-needed water.  Later, at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, we had a little ceremony watching it swirl down the toilet never to see again.

Besides that unfortunate event, the three of us had such fun with my family as we talked and laughed together and screamed while flying on the rides. Fall Fairs and Family made our autumn season.

These were days of encouragement for my little family. Just for a while, all the responsibilities and pain of our life was left back at the gate entrance. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 described what these times did for us.  “That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing”.

By the end of the day, I was walking on my ankles, feeling grimy and nursing a headache from the loud music and endless crowds. However, my heart was full with the love from my family and seeing the girl’s big smiles. We were with one less fish and yet, we left with a heart full of memories until next time. (The man in the picture is my twin brother!)

OPEN YOUR TOOL BOX: I see there is a Fall Fair in your area!

• As you begin to make new memories, healing will begin. I challenge you this Fall season to make one new memory bringing a smile on all your faces! Who knows, it might become a tradition.
• Why not make one tradition that you can do alone as well.

YOU CAN DO THIS!