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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

Seasonal shift

“We’re just a pioneer cemetery,” remarked Fairfield Cemetery Association member Gary Ostheller. “I think I’m related to about half the cemetery,” he said. (J. Bart Rayniak)
“We’re just a pioneer cemetery,” remarked Fairfield Cemetery Association member Gary Ostheller. “I think I’m related to about half the cemetery,” he said. (J. Bart Rayniak)

The summer has crawled then sprinted. Never cared for August – too hot, no routine.

When I was waxing poetic about September and its lovely relief from the heat of August, my friend told me that he always feels melancholy in the fall – the season of his dad’s death.  

It is one thing to lose a parent when you are in your 50s or 60s, but quite another when you are a child, an almost-teenager and your dad slips away.

 My friend immerses himself in football and friends…but the season remembers his loss, as a little boy – and the little boy – now a 50- something man -  still grieves the dad who left too soon.

Do you have a season of grief? How do you cope?

(S-R archives photo)



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.