Life & Seasonal Changes

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, September 4, 2026)

Seasonal changes in life can be challenging. We as humans are more dependent on the sun and weather than we many times realize. As we begin the change into fall, I know my body is not the biggest fan of the damp and cool weather. However, my taste buds love all things apple and harvest. My ears love the crunching leaves under my wheels as I adventure on paved trails. My eyes love seeing naturely spaces again from the height of four foot two once the vegetation begins its decline.

In my recent season of life I have been caught off guard by the layers and continual experiences of grief. The earthly loss of aunts, friends, and former students has piled up like bills on an end table. Not being able to attend funerals or celebrations of life due to access, scheduling or none being offered was another hard process to not have in my grieving season. So this past week I was inspired to do my own thing to honor each life that has been lost. With the help of a friend I will be making them small creatively decorated remembrance stones to be placed in my garden.The creative process has always been an important tool I use in processing my life and the circumstances around me. 

Processing the changes in life in healthy ways has been a struggle for me to learn since I had so much change happen to me at such a young age. I created many coping mechanisms out of survival and necessity, as we all do. These changes and processes have made me, me and some of them still serve me and others are not helpful. So, like in tending my garden, I let things grow together to see if the vegetation is flower, fruit, vegetable or weed. I water and fertilize them the same. And once they are big enough to identify I ask for help- sometimes my Master Gardening friends or an app. The same is true for all of the life changes and habits that I have created. I watch them as they grow. I seek help from trusted friends, medical providers, and a counselor to help decide what habits or relationships, or life circumstances are helping me grow more healthy and which ones are hurting me.

As you enter this new season of fall, what are things you are celebrating and thankful for and what are you grieving or saying goodbye to?