As I mentioned in a previous post, I have nephews. They're all grown-up now. Four brothers, all unique. I've known them since they were 8-12 years old. We played together on weekends for years. I got a second childhood out of the deal. We shared all the normal things together along with my nieces. Went out for pizza, a movie, whatever. Mainly, we just played in the back yard or a park. But, during his junior-high and high school years, one had me worried bigtime. His name was Greg. Football team. Good-looking. Charming. His nickname was "Hollywood". I was certain vanity would be the boy's curse. He grew up, served his country, raised a family. Over all these years, he grew to become one of the most caring, giving, selfless people I've ever known. They all grew into some pretty special people. Not one became the adult I expected. I guess you just never know. Life can sometimes have the greatest surprises.

Some other tomorrow morning, I'll probably consider thoughts of business. Not today. Autumn has arrived today. Mornings are crisper. Children and animals more enthused, electric. Friends and family feel closer. Many, many faded years past, I discovered that I had nieces and nephews. It was by fortunate accident after a long absence from my family. They were amazing creatures. They lit up my life. We became ingrained in each other's lives, inseparable. Uncountable, terrific times. Now, as adults, they have occassionally said, " You don't know what it meant having you around when we were growing up." Normally, that would have inflated my ego to a size to seal the hole in the ozone. But I informed them, " You don't get it. I was the one who was blessed. You were the ones who were special." And now, as adults, they have children of their own. They have nieces and nephews. The cycle continues. Now, I think they get it. Pardon the expletive, but ... Damn, I do love Autumn.