I am a person that thoroughly enjoys the winter months. I love the snow, the crisp cold air and yes, I even like the longer nights. Why? Because when the nights are long and cold, the sunrise has an even greater impact on me. There is a greater sense of anticipation and, consequently a greater joy I feel as the sun climbs and the night gives way. Even as I share that, I’m sitting outside on a park bench writing this and feeling the warmth of the sun, the smell of pine needles and I can hear in the distance someone firing up a lawn mower. You know what that means? The smell of fresh cut grass! Let’s face it. My attitude, feelings and the way I look at things change along with the seasons.
Recently I had been homebound for almost two months due to an injury. All I saw for almost two straight months was the inside of my home; I lived between my bedroom, the bathroom and the living room because moving was difficult. Those that were caring for me; those who knew me best began to notice that I became more cynical, irritable and at times, down right angry (and if I’m honest, I sort of knew myself that it was happening). I’m normally a patient person and most will tell you that I’m slow to get angry and like to laugh and playfully tease people. However, after two months inside, my personality changed.
One day the temperature was around 70 degrees and the sun was shining. My wife insisted that, regardless of how uncomfortable I felt, I was going to work with her to get in the car and drive down to a park near our house. I complained, grumbled, argued and resisted her, but fortunately she was more stubborn than me! Eventually we got to the park and she helped me work my way over to, and sit down on a bench. The sun began to warm me, the sound of the breeze through the pine trees caught my attention and then I smelled the pine needles while becoming enthralled by two squirrels chasing and playing! I felt myself begin to relax, I even smiled and 20 minutes later my wife and I were laughing and joking. She took a picture and I look……well, happy; a little bit like my “old self.”
As the weather turns to Spring, the sun shines longer and the sounds, sights and smells of the summer begins, maybe take some time to consider if there is a way to help those for whom you care to get outside for a half hour or so. If they are unable to move outside, is there a way to bring the outside inside? Maybe opening a window for a short time near where they sit so that the breeze can flow through (just make sure it doesn’t get too cold for them). I don’t pretend to believe it will changes someone’s fundamental behavior, the way they have “always been.” I also know that in some rare instances it may actually agitate them, so be sensitive to that. For most of those for whom we care however, that moment of refreshment may be just what they needed to calm them, bring a smile to their face and give you (and them) a glimpse of their “old self.”
