I’ve been deep within this final writing project rough draft for my creative non-fiction class. I tried to focus it on the healing that has taken place since Cathy died. Reliving the whole thing was an emotional roller coaster. By Saturday evening I was empty.

Looking forward to a Sunday when all the things we wanted to get done were right here at home. Putting a coat of linseed oil on all the boards in our cattle alley and chutes was a perfect way to spend a cool and beautiful day outside. I’d also managed one day of corn harvest and hope for more next year.

As we worked, several huge flocks of geese came overhead, circling and honking as they sought the air currents to take them south. We must’ve seen over 500 geese and as they circled, forming and reforming their classic V shape, we could hear them encouraging each other. We could learn a lot from geese. When one is hurt or sick and has to leave the flock, another couple always accompany that lone goose so they aren’t alone. That is cool.

Because they fly in formation, the updraft of one helps the next one, so they are able to fly much farther because they work together. And when one goose/gander tires, it moves to the back and the next in line takes the lead, so that the burden of leadership does not fall on one bird; they rely on each other. Mostly, we just love to see and hear the flocks overhead as they make their way back to their homes for winter. Personally, I hope this means we’ll have a winter.