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Tonight, I Fell in Love

I've never liked the fall season. Like, ever. I despised having to color pumpkins and leaves in elementary school. I hate the color brown. In my mind, it just represents dying. The colorless winter. I've always thought of it as so dull. Ugh. 

So yeah. I don't like it. 

But tonight, I attended a gathering with several people. I didn't really know these people. So there was an "I'm the new kid" awkwardness for me.

I need'int worry. I fit right in. Instant laughter. A truly fun night.

As I sat there, on that back patio with a propane heater (because the suffocating heat is finally gone), a jean jacket, a chill in the air, burgers on the grill, drinks in hand, laughter, stories, and the sparkling kindness in humanity, I began to see this season differently. 

There's a delight that comes with that crisp feel in the atmosphere. 
The "are my ears just cold enough for me to go inside or can I sit here a moment longer" taste in the air.

Surely people that love autumn like I love spring feel this way about their season, the leaves falling and the whole earth taking a breath from the summer heat. It must feel exactly like this.

How delightful and extraordinary that for the first time in my life, I've experienced that.
A moment I will remember forever. 

Tonight, I fell in love with autumn.

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