The Fall of Freddie the Leaf

Have you ever read the famous children's story, " The Fall of Freddie the Leaf"? Famous author, and educator, Leo Buscaglia defines nicely in this story how death is a part of living, metaphorically, through a leaf named Freddie.

From the beginning Freddie realizes he is one among many that are seemingly just like him. He finds himself one of hundreds born, and growing simultaneously on one tree. Early on, Freddie is befriended by the largest leaf on the tree, Daniel. Daniel educates Freddie, that as a leaf, they have a purpose to make people and animals happy. Provide them with shade, breeze, a spot to play, or romance under. He explains to Freddie about the seasons, the moon, the sun and the stars... he also explains about death.

Following a summer of dancing in the warm breezes and playing with the other leaves, Freddie begins noticing that his friends are beginning to change color and fall. He inquires to Daniel why this is happening. Daniel simply explains that the leaf is dying and moving to a new home. Freddie, is astounded.. "Dying? Not me-" Daniel further explains that nobody lives forever in one place. He explains that we live together in one spot, enjoy the life, and then ready ourselves to live in a different place or way. He explains to Freddie it is painless and natural. He offers to Freddie that he did wonderful things as a leaf.

As the Autumn continues, Freddie sees himself as purple, a wonderful hue that is indicative of the changing process that he has undergone through his living as a leaf. He watches all of his friends change and fall from the tree, even Daniel. Daniel dies just before Freddie.

Freddie finds himself the last remaining leaf , now faced with snow on the ground. Freddie comes to terms with the cold, bitterness, and loneliness that has become his legacy. He is no longer even purple. He is a brown shriveled up version of what he used to be. He decides, I think, that in fact, that is no way to live either. A gentle breeze comes and takes Freddie slowly off the branch. Freddie lets go, and gracefully falls onto a cushion of snow. When Freddie reaches the ground, he finally can see the tree . He sees what it all meant. He remembers the fun and love and laughter he provided to others in his lifetime. He finds out that new life will bud again in the springtime. He is happy that he finally let go.

I thought of this story yesterday morning. I haven't read this book in years, and yet it popped into my head for a number of reasons when I was pondering some big decisions. I had the rare opportunity of a morning alone, sipping my coffee, and looking at the early morning sun shine through the near peaking colors on a tree in front of me. I watched this one clump of pretty, almost reddish colored leaves glistening, and prancing in the warm early Autumn sun. I thought..."I wonder if the tree had a good summer?" I wonder if the leaves realize that their dancing was almost over? (And if they did, would they do something diferent than what they were doing?) I wonder if they felt they did a good job as a leaf? Or better yet, how they worked as a group to provide for the good of the whole? I wondered if they even realized what they did for people, squirrels, cats, the environment... for God by being a leaf?

We all have a Daniel in our lives. Someone who is bigger than life, who sees the big picture.. someone who jumps in head first because he knows that that is what living is all about! He possess the wisdom to know that the fun and mission is simple. He knows you do the best and biggest job you can do with what you are given. Daniel, is obviously a leader. He is classified as the biggest leaf on the tree. I visual him as this huge red maple in his Autumn years. One with a large stem not showing evidence that the elements have affected him. No nicks in his perfect 3-pointed structure. I applaud his mentoring of Freddie. I applaud his staying with Freddie until he knows when it is time for the breeze to take him on to his next journey.

Freddie, is like most of us. Uncertain. In the dark really, about what his purpose is in life. Somehow doubting that dancing in the breeze of life and the comfort and protection we provide to those around us is simply enough. I sense that Freddie doesn't dance as hard, shade as much, or grow as big, because he is always wondering about what is next. He wonders that he is somehow missing something else, or another life. Maybe that of the squirrel, or the the children who play under him. In doing so, his very short seasoned-life becomes eminent. He hasn't quite accepted why he is aging. He doesn't realize that his beautiful purple hue is a result of doing all the good he did for others. He misses the blessing.

In the end Freddie, still holding on to the past, clings to the naked sleeping tree. The sky is grey and cold, and the frost has turned to snow. The tree of life is heading into a natural phase of hibernation and rebirth. He misses the message in himself, and he clings for dear life. He clings to an old message, an old script, because he feels it safer there, than to what lies ahead of him. Even Daniel leaves. Was it a safe place anymore? In the end Freddie lets go, and gracefully succumbs to the breeze that will bring him to his rebirth and new life. He understands the message.

This Autumn ask yourself will you be a Freddie or a Daniel? What beautiful color do you want to show off? How will you want your fall to look like? What do you need to let go of in order to move on to your rebirth?

Falling for October,
Miss Dawn