Fall, the Magical Promise

By Connie Zdunich

Is it just me or was it one hot summer? Admittedly, I will not miss the long lazy days, seeking the next spot of shade when I was required to be outside, the car door handles too hot to hold, or the blazing steering wheel I was forced to drive with two fingers. Southern Utahns are awesome. We take the heat and keep on ticking!

Now that the temps have begun to subside and we begin to venture outside in the morning, there is a subtle hint of fall in the air. This is that magical time of year when windows open, dinner is something you can cook in the oven again, and evening walks become something to look forward to. My favorite part of fall—beside the spectacular colors and hiking—is being outside while visiting with friends and neighbors.

I live in a neighborhood where everyone watches out for one another and where needs are addressed sometimes before you even realize you have a need. My sweetheart and I were scheduled to transport a sweet lady to Salt Lake City for burial early one Friday morning. In the process of hurrying to get ready for the journey and in all my graceful glory, I tripped, landed on my shoulder, and managed to sustain a fracture that required hospitalization. Our incredibly selfless neighbor came to the rescue at 5:45 a.m., drove me to the hospital, and stayed by my side for ten hours as my sweet husband made the journey north. The next morning when we opened our blinds, much to our surprise, we saw that our front yard had been mowed. My hubby was so grateful to have that task off his plate as he took on the chore of caring for his wife.

A strong sense of community is such an integral part of our beautiful area. The hometown feeling visitors experience when coming to this region seems to appeal to their hearts, and many choose to move to southern Utah. We are currently experiencing an influx of new residents from far and wide, bringing with it an enhancing depth to our rich Dixie culture. Diversity opens doors for new experiences and growth in so many aspects of our lives. Cultural recognition through art, music, dance, and tradition adds a new perspective to our pioneer heritage.

In my profession, we have the opportunity to embrace many different aspects of life as we observe families honoring their loved ones who have passed in a variety of ways. We all come from different backgrounds with different needs. It is my hope that we strive to reach out to one another with kindness and compassion. Kind words have somehow become a rarity these days. I love the concept of watching out for one another. Small acts of kindness can do so much to heal and comfort those in need.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and if you have an extra minute on your hands, think about helping someone: send a text message to a friend you have been thinking about, assist your neighbor by lifting something heavy into their car, or if you’re really feeling gracious, let someone else go first when you’re in a line, on the road, or out to eat. It’s the small and simple things that enhance that southern Utah community feeling. It is what brought my husband and I here! Thanks for being amazing.

About the Author

Connie enjoys working with local Hospice Groups and Veterans Associations. The military is very close to her heart, with her father being a Pearl Harbor Survivor, and her sweetheart retired Navy. Helping support local hospice groups is very rewarding for Connie, and she feels being a part of the Spilsbury team is an awesome opportunity. She is the mother of seven daughters and nineteen grandchildren, who are “the joy of her heart”. She loves being of assistance to those in our community who do so much for each of us.