October has
always been one of my favorite months — perhaps because
my birthday on the 23rd was made even more special when
on Oct. 27, 1965, (after having reared two boys ages 10
and 8) our longed-for daughter arrived.
As I age, the short-lived
brilliance of the fall colors has taken on a new meaning.
It seems as though the stunning varied colors are only possible
toward the end of the seasonal cycle, just as the full beauty
of a well-lived life is only realized when we reach maturity.
This year, daylight savings with its
insistent reminder to change our clocks, and with that action
the realization that winter is fast approaching, falls on
the same day as Halloween. Quite appropriate, really, as
ghosts and goblins shy away from daylight and only make
their appearances once it is dark.
But those of us who choose to live
in this area and embrace the change and beauty that a four-season
climate offers, sometimes become depressed as we sense the
end of fall and know that winter with its stark landscape
and cold weather will soon arrive.
Sometimes we overlook that
winter, too, has its purpose, and indeed, its advantages.
Not the least of these is the holiday season when friends
and families again reach out and reaffirm their thankfulness
for the life they lead and for the closeness they share.
It is precisely because of
the family orientation of these holidays that it is also
the most difficult time of year for anyone who has suffered
the loss of a loved one or for those who are far away from
home.
You may brighten the holiday of a Yale
foreign student at Thanksgiving or Christmas and at the
same time become more knowledgeable about another country
and culture by calling the office of International Students
and Scholars at Yale, (203) 432-2305, and offering to host
a student at one of the holidays. This year, our family
Thanksgiving will be enriched by Jing, a delightful student
from China.
Winter can be an opportunity to take
a page from nature, to slow down a bit and think about the
year that is passing and what might be accomplished in the
coming year.
There is a wonderful true
story about a writer who, during an approaching catastrophe
when death seemed certain, quickly jotted down 100 things
he still wanted to do. The writer survived, but the event
changed his life.
To this day, he continues
to accomplish most of the things he jotted down during the
time he was faced with imminent death.
We can all realize that we
are the result of choices we make every day and that winter
can be a time for introspection ... a bit of selfish hibernation
to give us time to indulge in good books, less-stressful
activities, perhaps visit a day spa (the ultimate self-indulgence),
or an opportunity to take an interesting class or get rid
of the clutter we seem to accumulate the rest of the year.
Winter can bring a walk on
a crisp morning when everyone and everything seem newly
innocent under a dusting of snow. Winter brings the sensual
pleasures of fur-lined boots, the feel of a good wool sweater
or favorite cashmere scarf against your neck and the sensational
taste of hot chocolate with real whipped cream. And what
can possibly compare to a Sunday morning with an extra hour
to snuggle back under the comforter, knowing the Sunday
papers can be leisurely pursued, perhaps in front of the
fire, when one does decide to get up.
Let us enjoy and savor these
beautiful fall days, but let us not worry or dread the winter
to come.
When I was small and would want time
to move more quickly, my mother would gently remind me to
enjoy the here and now and she would say, "Don’t
wish your life away, Jeanie." I try to recall her words
and to live in the here and now whatever the day, whatever
the season.
Till next Sunday, dear readers,
and remember to exercise your precious privilege and VOTE!
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405. H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
