Boat Leaves

It's early November, and sometimes there can be such beauty in death. On athletic fields across the state, the football, soccer and field hockey seasons are coming to a close, and soon State Champs will be crowned. For one team, everything seems to end way too soon. For another, it's time to bask in the fading afternoon sun and remind themselves that all those grueling practices, starting way back in August at those 'play days' and exhibitions, were worth it. Of course, on the other side of the field, losing ain't fun... ever. Down the road, however, after the uniforms have been washed and put away for another year, after the banquets of spaghetti to celebrate how close they came are over, there will be that time to reflect. Time puts all things we do, the people we meet, the places we travel in wonderful perspective. Yes, sometimes, when we are able to step back and focus on where we have arrived, the ordeal we've endured and the long-lasting friendships we've made, there is a gentle beauty in death.