Grief & healing: Fall gardens welcome the new season

There is something very appealing about the start of a new season.

My husband Baheej loved the four seasons here, including the changes in the leaves, the flowers, the weather. He was very tuned to nature.

This may be because he grew up with basically only two seasons — summer and winter, which was a cool rainy period without central heating.

So I think a lot about him this time of year with fall approaching.

One of the hallmarks of early fall for me are the flower gardens, which get filled with yellow black-eyed Susans and the last of the colorful phlox. And some red geraniums are still blooming.

It’s time to start preparing for the changing seasons while the weather is still pleasant. September is a good time to start making preparations.

I just ordered new white lights for the patio balcony. I have a lot of all-weather red flowers to replace the geraniums in the big blue pots for some color. And I am clearing off the rest of the spent flowers and herbs. It will be fun to string up the new white lights on the patio railing, before the days start getting cold. Anyway, many days are still mild and sunny here but the daylight hours will be getting noticeably shorter, and then very short. Those extra outside patio lights will be welcome. Cheerful.

Cheerful is the watchword, I think. That brings us to the topic of attitude. My own attitude is that every season has its beauty and attractions. For many people, winter is a time for more indoor activity, rather than outdoor activity. Me too. I enjoy reading, household projects, cooking, decorating for the holidays.

The point is: Being cheerful is a good thing — worth the effort. It’s not difficult. Every season brings its own possibilities and opportunities.

• Susan Anderson-Khleif of Sleepy Hollow has a doctorate in family sociology from Harvard, taught at Wellesley College and is a retired Motorola executive. Contact her at sakhleif@aol.com.