The Leaf

When Willa and Reed’s mom began working in the schools and had young students who were grieving, her dad and the kids’ ‘Pa, who was a child psychologist, would recommend a book called “The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Book for All Ages”. This sweet parable was about cycles and seasons and purpose and passage.  After he died, Mooba gave Reed and Willa’s mom a stack of his old books for her students and “Freddie” was in there.  Near the end of the story, when the leaves start to fall and die after a spring and summer of growth, one wise leaf explains that this is what happens and that it’s the time for leaves to change their home but the tree carries on.  Reed and Willa’s mom has since shared her dad’s copy of “Freddie” over and over again with kids and teachers and no longer even know where it is or who has it.  But we do know that his wisdom and kindness carry on.  It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since he passed away.