Changing Seasons

It seems like in the blink of an eye the seasons turned from Spring to Summer to Autumn. The leaves barely had a chance to turn from green to all shades of orange, red, yellow and brown before they ended up carpeting the sidewalks, footpaths and roads. Winter is not far behind – you can feel it in the air.

Maybe I missed the actual changing of the seasons this year since I have been back to Southern California four times this year for three weeks at a time, due to my parents’ failing health. The falling temperatures and the shortened days seem that much more poignant as I come to terms with my parents being in the twilight of their lives.

It is a good thing that we have been living here in Lincoln for more than five years, and I’m so happy to say that we have had an opportunity to experience the beauty and uniqueness of each season, and to be thankful for the different things that each one brings with it.

As the holiday season approaches, we may think that everyone is looking forward to the family dinners, holiday parties, celebrations, and gifts, but that is not necessarily true for many. There are those who have lost a loved one, had a tragedy in their family, are in the middle of a crisis, who may be on their own or battling an illness themselves. For them the holidays represent a stressful time. A time of sadness, mourning, and loneliness.  I would like for all of us take a moment and remember these people in our thoughts and prayers in hopes that this will help to lighten their load during this holiday season.

I, for one, can say that I have a heavy heart as we plan to travel to Southern California to share the holidays with our family. It will probably be the last time my mom and dad will be here for the holidays as my mom is on Hospice and slipping away from us every day, and my dad is just out of the hospital again as his body and mind continue to deteriorate. They are not capable of having a big party, dinner or holiday celebration. This year we will be happy with a small family gathering to have what quality time there is left for us to share with my mom and dad.

As we go through this life to death process with my parents, we have to accept that this is part of the life cycle. There is much to learn about life from being with a loved one as they prepare for the end of their time here on Earth. Here is to taking one day at a time and surrounding them with family, love and support as they reach the end of their journey.

Thank you to all of you have sent kind and comforting words and kept us in your thoughts and prayers. It really means a great deal to me and my family.