I know you've driven by St. Peter's and said to yourself, "I really need to get a pumpkin this year." All those great orange hued pumpkins just laying all over the place. You know, down deep, there is one in there with your name written all over it.
Then the cell phone rings. Or something else pops up. And you forget.
Take a moment and let me share with you why I think it is important to stop and buy that pumpkin. Today. I am.
Halloween marks the beginning of my favorite part of the year. Halloween until the first Monday in January. When you think about it, this time of year just shouts family.
Trick-or-treaters constantly ringing the doorbell. The family gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Working so hard wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve to see it all undone in about 60 seconds on Christmas Day (I really think the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" should have been about this).
Then the celebrations begin on New Year's Eve and celebrating the beginning of the New Year with a traditional dinner. And finally, the kids go back to school! Oh yeah, my birthday is somewhere in there as well.
But I digress, back to the Pumpkin Patch.
The joy on our children's faces is really what makes the Pumpkin Patch shine. Look at this picture from the Sun-Sentinel:
Isn't this what the season is all about? Bringing joy to others ... putting a smile on someone else's face. There's nothing better.
I remember doing this when I was a child. It was colder, much colder. But we sat out on the patio and carved those pumpkins up. Yup, the three of us (my brothers and me) had a blast. I think my parents did too.
What about you? Share a little about your memories of the fall.
And then, go out and get yourself a pumpkin.