A Season of Rest

Maddie Greyson stood in her cozy kitchen, the warm scent of sausage sizzling in the pan mingling with the buttery aroma of homemade biscuits. At 65, she had recently embraced a slower pace of life after an adventurous early retirement filled with travel and exploration. This morning, however, was dedicated to the simple pleasure of cooking for herself—no itineraries, no airports, just the comforting embrace of her modern cottage.

As she flipped the sausages, Maddie reflected on her decision to decline the upcoming cruise with friends. While she cherished her adventures, there was something profoundly appealing about staying home, tending to her vibrant garden, and nurturing her spirit. She took pride in every corner of her home, each detail a testament to her care and creativity. Though she had never married, nor had children, she found joy in being the beloved rich auntie to her nieces and nephews. Still, family gatherings were often fraught with tension, so she chose to keep her distance, cherishing her independence.

After breakfast, Maddie made her rounds, checking in on her nieces and nephews by texts and short calls. They were growing up fast, but she preferred to let them reach out when they needed her. With her phone calls made, she headed to the gym, where her youthful energy and dedication to wellness made her feel decades younger. She knew that taking time for herself was essential, especially after a whirlwind of travel.

Returning home, Maddie felt a pull towards her meditation room, a sacred space filled with soft pillows and the scent of lavender. Today, she decided to honor her late mother, Ada, by cooking her favorite dish: fried chicken gizzards, rice, and garlic green beans. Memories flooded back of growing up in the countryside of South Carolina, where laughter and love blossomed in the kitchen.

Once the meal was prepared, Maddie set a plate on her altar adorned with fresh fruit and water, creating a small homage to the woman who had shaped her life. As she closed her eyes to meditate, the familiar warmth of her mother’s presence wrapped around her. She spoke softly, sharing her joys and struggles, feeling the weight of the world lift from her shoulders.

As she finished her meal, a gentle whisper resonated in her mind, “Don’t forget to rest sometimes in between your hustling and bustling.” It was Ada’s voice, a reminder that had accompanied her throughout her life. A sense of calm washed over Maddie; she realized how much she had missed these quiet moments of reflection and connection.

For the next two weeks, Maddie immersed herself in the serenity of her garden, tending to the flowers and soaking up the sun. She found solace in the stillness, often returning to her meditation room to commune with her ancestors. Each day unfolded like a gift, filled with the simplicity of being present, allowing her spirit to rejuvenate.

In a world that often pushed for constant motion, Maddie discovered the beauty of stillness, the importance of rest, and the profound connection to her roots. And as the seasons changed outside her window, so too did Maddie—finding peace in her heart and a deeper appreciation for the life she had cultivated.