“There’s Something in the Air”

As I write this, the colors of fall are quickly fading and leaves are drifting in the wind.  But somehow, in a peculiar way, certain other things are coming more sharply into focus.  Storm Sandy reminded many of us to count our blessings and not take as much for granted.  The colder weather (where I live) and shorter days have brought with them the corresponding holiday season and all its inherent busyness.  Even the animals seem more alert, as if to guard us from Nature’s threats they know more intimately than do we.

We just went through a national election, a referendum on directions Americans want our country to take.  Though clearly still divided in many ways, citizens have made their differing voices heard in a way that not many expected.  Whatever one’s political views and whether one is pleased with the results of the vote or not, we have witnessed – and I believe must celebrate – the participation and engagement in the democratic process of so many concerned individuals.  That, in itself, brings focus and proof that we all do care about this great nation of ours.  In my opinion we need to continue our activism between elections so that many of our societal and economic problems – both domestic and international – can be addressed in a spirit of bipartisan collaboration.

What else is going on?  Indeed, the air seems to be abuzz these days, with activity and energy.  Perhaps it’s partly because we’ve finally let go of the “carefree” days of summer and entered full swing into the “serious” part of the year – children have their studies, sports, clubs, and many other activities to keep them (and us) occupied.  Parents have their hands full keeping everyone safe, fed, and warm while also chauffering kids around and helping them with homework.  High school seniors are starting the process of applying to college or figuring out alternative routes to pursue.  Many of us are busy with work, friends, picking up the pieces after unexpected challenges, helping our own parents, grown children or other relatives, and bracing ourselves for the winter months right around the corner.

What will this winter be like?  Some in the northeast hope for mercifully mild weather, others want to go skiing and actually find some snow!  If we’re lucky, we look forward to vacations – and perhaps visits to warmer places where we may find a respite from the cold.  Grandparents and grandchildren enjoy their cozy, happiest of times together, with cookies baking in the oven and bedtime stories passed down through the generations.  I remember the one my grandfather told me when he tucked me in at night – looking back, it was a silly story, one he’d made up, but it put me to sleep feeling thoroughly loved, cherished, and adored every time.  I told it to my own son when he was small, with the same result.  I hope someday he’ll tell it to his children and grandkids.

As I look ahead to 2013, I’m sure the new year will usher in certain changes – both at home as well as in the “outside world.”  Let us resolve to embrace positive energy, joy, and commitment to growth as each one of us, in our own way and according to our own talents, contributes what we can to create an ever more uplifting society where people reach out their hands to one another both in good times and bad.