Fall Into the Holidays

All the seasons have their own special feel to them that make them unique. When I think of autumn, I think of the shift away from carefree summer vacations to families reestablishing their routines and students heading back to school. In California, the cooler weather brings subtle changes to plant foliage and a return to Pacific Standard Time means the evening sky becomes darker earlier. The anticipation of the upcoming holiday season ushers in a sense of excitement of celebrations yet to come as we look forward to spending time with loved ones.

I am finally starting to feel the transition to fall now that Halloween has passed and temperatures have dropped … somewhat. The summer heat lingered so long it threw off my change-of-season cues but also, for the first time since 1996, I don’t have any children in school. This adjustment feels strange but I take comfort that I will always be connected to education through work, family and community.

The shift in season also finds me preparing to become a grandmother for the first time which fills me with such delight and gives me something to look forward to in the spring.  These two changes, plus a milestone birthday this year, propelled me into a new phase of life and I have since refocused my energy and set new priorities for the changing family dynamic.  I am starting to let go of the clutter that has invaded my space and am working toward finishing projects that have remained only in the planning stages for decades. I want nothing more than a happy healthy grandbaby that has a safe space to explore at Gramma’s house.

With the change of the season and my new outlook on life, I am also learning to affect what I can in my own neighborhood and let go of the things I can’t influence around the world. To that end, I pay attention to the news and votebut try not to let the daily minutia hurt me. I am confident that it will all work out without my input. I will continue to keep my community groups informed about local concerns, encourage others to volunteer and concentrate my efforts on projects that are meaningful to me.

I show up for things that matter and commit to the causes I believe can make a difference. For example, the Chace Taylor Malone Impact Foundation LA, also known as CV Cares, is doing great work in the Crescenta Valley. It is bringing awareness to the impacts of substance misuse in our schools and community and providing resources to those who need it. This week, IFLA participated in the Glendale Health Festival at Pacific Park and will be hosting its own golf tournament this Friday, Nov. 7 to raise funds for the organization. It has also established a youth ambassador program at CV High School that regularly engages peers on drug and mental health-related issues. The Foundation was named for Chace Malone who attended CVHS and was a friend of my son Ben. Sadly, Ben and Chace both lost their lives a year apart in 2020 and 2021 due to fentanyl overdose. My dream is that by working with CV Cares and other community partners to help families who struggle we will no longer lose our young people to opioid death or suicide. The time has come to address this issue head on and I am proud to have joined the effort. Learn more at https://theimpactfoundationla.org/.

As we move toward the upcoming Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and other holidays, don’t forget to check in on a veteran, student or someone you know who may need some care and assistance. The holidays can be joyous but also a difficult time for some.  

Your effort will matter to someone.  

Susan Bolan
susanbolan710@gmail.com