A Late Summer Rose

These days of late summer are wonderful. The small amount of fruit we have on our trees is ripening, the patio tomatoes are sweet and delicious, and the Morning Glories are the best we have ever had. And tucked among the fading flower beds is this neglected rose bush that decided to throw out its best blossom of the year. We have not figured it out, but the roses had no aphids on them this year and did very well. Growing very close to the sidewalk, I am always surprised that the buds are not picked by the many people who walk by.

These wonderful late summer days, however, are being marred. I had to call the paramedics on Saturday to take my father to the hospital. Over the previous three days he had taken a sudden downward turn in his energy levels and feeling of well being. He is very weak and confused at the moment and the doctors are looking into it. He is not capable of standing on his feet and until he can do so, he will not be going back to his home. Naturally, we are all concerned, but fortunate to have a health care system that takes care of everyone, young or old. Right now the future looks very uncertain for him. Of course, we all live one day at a time, as we never know what may befall us, but right now we are just a little more aware of the truth of that statement.