Last Halloween

Here's the candy we're passing out tonight:

Good stuff - especially those rolls of Tootsie!

Our Sophomore is so excited to sit on the porch with her friend and pass it out.

Meanwhile, I'll be walking around with our 5th grade pirate:

Barring a change of plans in 2018, this Halloween will be the final one for me to escort a daughter around trick-or-treating.

For the last 12-13 years (thru 3 daughters), we've been out there.

Tonight will likely end that streak.

Yet another "last time ever" event for me to add to the list.

As I've stated before, it's definitely a mixed-feelings thing..... so happy to see her growing up..... yet so sad that the growing up is happening this rapidly.

Conflicting emotions getting ready to collide out in the neighborhoods of Oreana.

Just as the collision of warm air with cold air spawns a rotating vortex, tonight's "last time" is doing some spinning of its' own.

On me.

I will be happy.

And I will savor every moment of the experience.

But I will also be sad.

Knowing that the things of childhood don't -- and can't -- last forever.

And I am at peace with that.

Have a nice & safe evening out there on the streets, y'all.

Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt