Everything changes. The impermanence of life is reflected in the passing seasons. Nature’s cycle of death and renewal is a personal reminder to take stock and assess what’s important in life and the choices made in how we live. Although the assessment is daily and ongoing, the transition of each spring is a symbolic rebirth into a new way of being.

This spring is especially poignant and transitional for me. My dad would have been 87 years old this month. In February, he passed peacefully and comfortably at home with his children by his side. As I write this letter, it’s less than a month since he’s left. Along with my siblings, I’m grieving his passing while celebrating his gifts and cherishing the experience of helping him depart on his terms.

I often find motivation for living in one of the Buddhist four reminders, “Death is real. It comes without warning. The body will be a corpse. Live as if your hair were on fire.” Although my dad’s death was not without warning, being present to his passing was a gift. It makes the notion of life’s impermanence tangible and real.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that his departure coincides with the rebirth and renewal of spring. As nature is blossoming here in April, we are all confronted with our personal reflections of a new way of being. What’s important? How do I want to live? What needs to change?

Our time here is short and the generations pass quickly. Losing a loved one is a bellwether measurement of one’s own mortality. As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we discuss our responsibility to help insure future generations have a healthy planet upon which to thrive. The time for action is now.

In this month’s feature article, Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko share ways we can help out the planet. Linda Seachrist points out the vulnerability of, and the rising concern for, our water supply in our Green Living department, and our Community Spotlight by Erin Lehn shares how a local major medical center’s innovative gardening efforts are positively impacting education and preventive wellness in the community.

It’s vital that we each do our part to help rebuild and maintain a healthy environment. We can start small within our personal spheres of influence by recycling, supporting local and organic farmers, conserving water, using less energy and composting, along with educating ourselves and our children and always remembering to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

Happy re-birth day, Dad!