Our neighbors have gone. Life moves on into blooming springtime midst this feel of autumn’s leavetaking. This has been a lesson in finding hope in every season of life.

We have journeyed for two years with this elderly couple, coping well with leaving behind the beauty and joy of a family farm for the confines of apartment living. Illness and physical limitations didn’t keep them down. So our lives have been enhanced with examples of hopeful living midst the vicissitudes of life.

Unwelcomed news, then, to hear that cancer’s return necessitated hospice care and a move to a facility providing needed assistance. True to an established life stance, this letting go brought words of wisdom in facing the many changing facets of life.

We are left with these thoughts expressed, “This is the way of life. The old need to pass on to give room for the young.” This vision of the circle of life brings hope for the future with no selfish clinging or regret.

Within the new surroundings which admittedly, “took away many of our freedoms”, wisdom again is spoken, “One might as well decide to be content with what is when it can’t be changed. Discontent doesn’t bring happiness.” This positive attitude will keep them strong, together with their faith in God’s presence with them on the way.

Good neighbors are gifts. Our neighbor’s gift of living life with courage, trust, and hope will be unwrapped over and over again as we experience the springtimes and autumns in our own lives. We are grateful for the gift, knowing it is one to be shared and passed on as welcoming neighbors to others.

"Circle of Life Brings Hope:" Marguerite Samz, OSM. Used with permission.