The shade of the wooded trail was a welcome break from the heat of early August. As my eyes grew accustomed to the cool greens around me, a shaft of light caught a brilliant flash of red. A small, five-pointed maple leaf, prematurely in its autumn color, lay on the path like a dropped jewel. Its unexpected beauty riveted me. But as I picked it up to admire it, I glanced at the lush canopy of midsummer green above me. It was too soon, I thought with a measure of sadness now. Too soon to see this leaf resting in my hand instead of dancing in the breeze.
Her passing came too soon for many of us.
I wrestled with those same feelings several months later when my close friend and mentor passed on. This woman had led an active life—as a community leader and religious teacher, and as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was much loved for her grace, affection, and generous heart. I felt privileged to have been swept into her expansive family, which included anyone who needed a maternal presence in his or her life. But as rich and full as her life had been, her passing came too soon for many of us.
