There were many indications of the season, but the most potent was the initial high I felt as breathed in the cool air, attempting an overdose of the crisp and perfumed autumn freshness. From a worn blue pushcart, a disheveled peddler sold his wares, heaps of red, yellow and green apples. Each succulent piece of fruit silently waited to be chosen by a child begging his mother, “Please...buy me an apple!” The sun shone in an alluring way, rejuvenating me with its beautifully bright and warming light, not like the sweltering sun that had depleted me that summer. Scattered under and near the trees were large and small colorful mounds of autumn’s already fallen leaves.

            However, my attention quickly fixed on one single leaf. As it freely tumbled across my foot, and then the ground, I noticed it because it was not one of the masses. This brilliant red Maple leaf appeared different. It was solitary and, unlike the others, appeared to have extraordinary purpose in its aerial acrobatic endeavors that enticed me with curiosity.

            Soft wisps of wind gently urged it along, some times faster than other times, stopping now and then for what seemed like an eternity. Mesmerized, I remained patient each time as I waited for the leaf to resume its dancing journey, but several times wondering when this marvelous exhibition would cease. After a few minutes, it continued its journey as I devotedly followed to witness this unique one’s ultimate destination. The leaf freely danced over a grassy knoll, carefully twirled across a paved parking lot, scooted under a couple of cars, was almost run over by a teenager on a bicycle, courageously spun over a two-lane road, and then gracefully waltzed across a small wooden bridge. The leaf’s pirouetting antics ceased when it landed on the water next to another leaf, one just as beautiful, but golden in color. As I watched the duo float away, I smiled, but did not understand my smile anymore than I understood my pursuit and interest in this solitary leaf.

            As I walked home, my pace was deliberately slow while my thoughts revolved around the crimson leaf. The leaf began as one of the myriad small buds in spring, growing to be one of the countless vivid green leaves that worked with the other to give cool respite to those who walked under its tree. Then the day arrived for the leaf to make its departure. Having lived the largest part of life, it dressed in its most radiant hue to become more exceptional and beautiful than ever.

            My fascination with the leaf finally became clear as I thought about how I had broken from the masses late in life to pursue my destiny. Like the Maple leaf, I was one of many for most of my life, blending in with the masses, carefully hanging on the tree of familiarity with the other leaves. But before the end of my life, I had to be free to become my own person, a woman at long last secure enough in her own being to use her God given talents, one finally self-confident enough to wear red. Just as the leaf, I was alone. And just as the leaf, the wind and destiny carried me on my dancing journey of freedom, encountering joys and even dangers, experiencing things the masses would never comprehend. I had to have my dance of independence, the dance that allowed me to use my talents, to wear red, and to ultimately find happiness for the autumn of my life, floating away beside my companion, my golden Oak leaf.