29 Sep Hold Strong

Hold Strong

By Lars Hunter, Bereavement Program Coordinator, for Seasons

As I stand in my backyard, looking up at the towering trees as they dangle against the vibrant blue sky, I notice the change beginning. Many leaves have already shed their green color and turned a dark red or pale yellow. Some have gone through their life cycle and twirled to the ground, scattered among the long, unmown grass, each leaf sitting between the long blades of grass as if to be sure they are seen and admired.

            As I gaze across the landscape of forest, I notice a weariness to all of the leaves: They seem tired, ready to begin their last days as the vibrant scenery we all so enjoy here in Vermont. It seems like just yesterday I was enjoying their birth, the buds opening to show their baby light green shades, and then watching them mature into the multitude of greens that awash our summer vision.

            The life cycle of the leaves here in the northeast is fascinating, and can be representative of our own lives and those of the ones we have lost. Life seems to speed by so quickly, just as the life span of the leaves seems to do so. We cherish the beginning of foliage in the spring after long grey winters, we frolic under the deep green canopy during the summer, and we are amazed each year as the stunning colors emerge as the leaves begin their death.

            In this time of a never-ending pandemic, hurricanes, forest fires, and world strife, we find an immense amount of grief, both in our own lives and in the world. There is little solidity to hang onto and we can become anxious, frightened, and unable to know where to turn. The death of a loved one brings on the deepest of grief, and with all the other “collective grief” we are already experiencing, a death loss can be beyond our comprehension.

            During this time of great uncertainty and unknowing, it is the trees that I look at. The leaves are changing, as they do every year, but the trees hold strong, many with their roots so deep in the earth, no amount of discord or change will move them. It is the trees that bring me strength and a reminder that we too can stand strong through these difficult times and through the ever-changing landscape. It is in our roots — in family, friends, community, and support —that we can find a way to hold our ground as the winds and the world swirl around us. At times the changes are beautiful and joyful, and at times they are painful and fraught with grief for what has been.

            Brattleboro Area Hospice and the Bereavement Program have been, and continue to be, a strong tree with large and deep roots, holding strong throughout the past 18 months. The changes come quickly, sometimes daily or even hourly, but we hold strong. My gratitude for the staff, the board, the volunteers, and for our clients is so deeply etched in my heart. We continue to provide support for those grieving, and I’m also grateful for technology and the ability to keep the bereavement program open during all these changes.

            As the scenery begins to change, both in our sight and in our plans, may we look through the changes and see the trees, and the people, who are holding strong. And for those who feel like the tree is about to fall, there are others around to help you, we are here.

With warm gratitude,

Lars