Changing Season: New Challenges
Autumn. What a wonderful season. The colors changing all around us creates a breathtaking canvas. The trees shed their leaves, the days shorten, and the air assumes a definite crisp. The earth is preparing for winter rest and the eventual spring renewal.
This transition of rest can also be a time of slowing down for we humans, as well. As the days shorten, we find ourselves finding there is less time to work outside with darkness closing in, so we retreat into our homes, where electric switches changes darkness to into light. We too, are preparing for another season.
Even as we bask in the beauty, many of us will recognize chronic pains seem more prevalent, arthritis becomes more profound and mobility issues can have us reaching for the safety of our warm homes.
These types of challenges can happen to anyone, but it’s even more likely to be present in the lives of those facing a disability. After my husband was shot in Viet Nam, he often commented on how his arm or leg would ache as weather moved in. Those who have knee or hip surgeries also, are often affected by the colder temperatures.
Needing help during this season is not a weakness, it becomes community! What a great time for folks to pull together to help with raking leaves, winterizing homes or finishing any outside work that requires physical labor. Sometimes our bodies just don’t want to cooperate to accomplish tasks we are comfortable doing when the weather is warm. We weren’t created to do life alone!
It’s also a good time to remember that those with disabilities may struggle with getting to a Fall corn maze, the pumpkin patch or even picking apples. But what a grand way to include someone in these uniquely autumn events. Even just a stroll in the park to see God’s coloring book is a great way to share ‘community’ with those who are a little challenged by such outings.
Having fresh pumpkins is the perfect time to carve or decorate for the season as well as, using the fresh flesh for baking! Pumpkin pies or cookies, streusels and breads are always on the list for yummy eating. There are hundreds of different ways to use this amazing fruit and it’s highly nutritious as a bonus!
Perhaps after collecting apples, there could be an opportunity for making apple cider, applesauce or even apple cinnamon playdough. If different varieties are available, have a ‘taste testing’ event to understand the different flavor of the apples, are also an option.
Children with disabilities also, should be considered during this time of year. As one mom with a child in a wheelchair points out, cooler weather presents all sorts of challenges. From navigating the cold and flu season, to making sure equipment doesn’t fail, is important! But inclusion in activities is vital! She describes his delight in being pushed in his wheelchair through the piles of raked leaves, despite his inability to run like other children who jump in them with abandon!
As the weather continues to change, putting puzzles together or even watching a movie together is a way to help a neighbor who may feel isolated because of a disability, or even aging! Picking up groceries, clearing a sidewalk, or taking out the garbage are other ways to continue the fall/autumn theme of ‘community’. Be creative and perhaps you could make life just a little easier for a neighbor.