Early this year we moved into a new house. It is beautiful, and big, big enough for all of us and a couple extra, for our pets and all of my books. I was so excited to have space to move in and a huge yard with trees. I loved the front porch but didn't figure on spending a lot of time out there because we were on main street, which is actually a major highway going through Nebraska. And we were right across from a busy gas station. I didn't want people looking at me, being nosy or hearing us talking. I thought I would spend most of my time in the back yard... Boy was I wrong. 
I guess sitting on the porch started with the kids. They were so loud in the house playing the wii with their friends I had to escape. So, out to the porch I went... and they followed me. From then on we were out there everyday.
I have watched dancing contests, sing-offs, and hula hooping on that porch. I have read to my kids our favorite stories, combed the girls' hair, cut my dog's hair, watched the most amazing summer storms, and counted to ten, or a hundred and ten there. I have joyfully hugged old friends hello there, and tentatively met new friends . I have tearfully said good-bye to best friends, and close family, and the way things were. I have danced with my dear husband, to no music at all there. Shared confidences, condolences, and outrage. Held my breath calling to see if my brother's cancer had came back and cried with joy when I heard it hadn't, on my porch.
I have waved to every acquaintance and stranger from my porch, watched people come and go from all over the country at the gas station, and counted trucks loaded with wheat go by during harvest. I have decorated it for Halloween, the first real holiday we have had here. I have silently cursed time, and the way things have to be, on my porch.
I have laid on it soaking up the last of the sun's summer rays with my wonderful children, knowing that the season was drawing to a close. That by next spring they would be older, would possibly not have the same friends, or interests. Thought that maybe we wouldn't even be here to enjoy our wonderful porch.
Yesterday, I stood there and watched the first snow of the year fall. The seasons are definitely changing, not only with the weather, but the seasons of our life. Friends are moving away, the children are finding new hobbies and interests, more family has moved to town. I am already planning how I will decorate my porch for Christmas. I am trying hard not to be sad about the passing of this season of our lives, trying to look forward to the future and the wonderful, unexpected things it might hold in store for us. Like the unexpected joy we have found while on our porch...
