a bit we may venture into other topics of metamorphosis such as that of the seasons.

September makes its mark in an awe-inspiring way. It takes charge and slowly transforms our spectacularly picturesque landscapes, full of a plethora of colorful blooms, into the golds, purples, oranges and reds known for this time of year. Yes, these are the last days of Summer and as September begins to usher in Fall, we see change. Soon the Autumnal Equinox will arrive thus marking the start of a new season. The Sun will then be exactly above the equator and therefore day and night hours will pretty much be equal around the world. We notice a change in the sky. The celestial bodies are taking on different positions. Birds, nature’s yearly travelers, have effervescence. They are preparing for their long expedition to make a change in their surroundings. This just might be the eternal order of things! We know that humans don’t go through a metamorphosis in the sense currently being discussed however they may do so, psychologically. We go through a life cycle but not a metamorphosis in the true sense of the word.

The human life cycle takes us from a baby to a child to a teenager to an adult. During this time we go through many learnings that may affect our raison d’être or our reason for being. Through this human life cycle, we make many changes or adjustments in order to cope with the vicissitudes of our life and its ever-present circumstances. Just as the seasons change, we need to change as well, in order to live a more fulfilled life.

This month is riddled with a few recognized observances that deserve a moment of reflection due to how they may have affected change in our lives. One is Labor Day. Did you know it is a federal holiday? We celebrate it by trying not to do any work. Labor Day was created to celebrate the American worker. That was a change because there had been serious working conditions and other major issues facing the American worker. It began in 1882. Another one is Patriot Day.

Patriot Day or better known as “9/11”, is a day many will never forget. The occurrences on this day changed many day-to-day habits and routines in our lives. We take time to honor those who both gave their lives and lost their lives as a result of this horrific United States tragedy. Still another observance that affected change in our lives is the International Day of Peace.

The International Day of Peace, beginning in 1981, is celebrated in the United States and throughout the world. It represents the day the United Nations set aside to have a worldwide day of non-violence and no warring actions. People must change their negative behavior to fall in line with this observance. In 1954, a Peace Bell was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan. Each year the bell is rung at the Vernal Equinox (first day of Spring) and on the Autumnal Equinox (September 21 – first day of Autumn) to celebrate the International Day of Peace. These are wonderful occasions we all observe in September, yet there is another one that might just change us in many ways. It is Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day may fall into the category of a human metamorphosis because being a grandparent modifies behavior and emotions on many levels and in many ways. Also Grandparents bring so much wisdom to the lives of us all. It has been celebrated on the first Sunday following Labor Day since 1978. While it is not a federal holiday, it earns a yearly presidential proclamation to urge its observance.

As you may have garnered, transformation or a type of metamorphosis has had to take place in our world. Again, just as the seasons change, we must change as well in order to live our best life. Mary Howitt, back in the 1800’s said, “There are flowers enough in the summertime, more flowers than can be remembered – But none with the purple, gold and red that dye the flowers of September.” Seasons must change but when they do, they bring another type of beauty. The learning is that there is much metamorphosis or change around us that usually nets something good! As we continue to care for our older adults, let’s remember the “something good” that we may be bringing to the lives of those we encounter. As they “grow” through changes in their lives, let’s continue to bring loving care to them each and every day!



See you at our next MASWA Meeting where you will always learn more about what matters most to our older adults and how we may continue to bring them our best selves!

Georgene Connelly

MASWA President