Fall has always been my favorite time of year. There’s just something about the cool breeze that bristles through the trees, the glowing colors of the leaves with the sun shining through, that crisp smell in the air and that bittersweet ache in your heart. Memories, hopes, longing and nostalgia seem to whirl and swirl with the leaves as they dance to the ground. Warmth and connection wrap around us like the snuggly sweaters and sweatshirts we wear with a smile. It's time to get cozy, to light a candle, to read and enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee with our feet up, and to feel close to those we love and hold dear.

As those who care for others, who spend our days filling buckets and pouring from our pitcher into so many cups, fall is a perfect time to keep in mind what we can control and what we can't. Everything about this time of year beckons us to slow down, to savor, to breathe in a little deeper so we can exhale a little longer. With shorter days and longer nights, let's give ourselves permission to heed the lessons of the leaves. Let's give ourselves permission to let go and grow.

In Kindness & Gratitude,

Ronni Bowyer

"Letting Go" is a poem by Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President. The poem reflects on the importance of letting go of grudges and bitterness in order to find peace and happiness. Through its powerful and poignant words, the poem inspires readers to look beyond their differences and embrace the humanity in others, reminding us that the only way to truly heal and move forward is by letting go of the past.

Letting Go

To let go doesn't mean to stop caring: it means I can't do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off; it is the realization that I can't control another.

To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another; I can only change myself.

To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging outcomes,

but to allow others to effect their own outcomes.

To let go is not to be protective; it is to permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to deny, but to accept.

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,

but to take each day as it comes and to cherish the moment.

To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be.

To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To let go is to fear less and love more.

Nelson Mandela (18 juli 1918 - 5 december 2013)

"Letting Go" is a poignant and powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness and release. Nelson Mandela's words offer a message of hope and unity, encouraging us to let go of grudges and bitterness and embrace the humanity in others. Through its moving verse, the poem inspires us to find peace and happiness by recognizing that holding onto the past only hinders our ability to move forward. A truly inspiring work, "Letting Go" serves as a timeless call to action for all of us to strive for unity and understanding. by Vincent Moleveld

The SOS Newsletter committee is so very grateful to Brittany Collins for her years as the editor of the SOS newsletter. Brittany has given generously of her time organizing the contributions from committee members and adding her own special touches that made each newsletter beautifully supportive for our subscribers. We are very happy for Brittany as she takes on her new role with Newark City Schools, and we hope we continue to cross paths in the future. Brittany is a special person who is very kind and supportive, and she makes each person she comes in contact with feel valued.

THANK YOU, Brit, for your dedication to the SOS newsletter these past years! We appreciate you!

Letting go is not about forgetting the past but living and growing for a better future.

Abigail, Oliver, Rosa and Blake all attend the same summer camp, where they can cook, kayak, rock climb, and zip-line. Each child has a different favorite activity.

• Abigail’s favorite activity isn’t rock climbing.
• Oliver is afraid of heights.
• Rosa can’t do her favorite activity without a harness.
• Blake likes to keep his feet on the ground at all times.

I'll never forget it.

Abigail likes to zip-line, Oliver likes to Kayak, Rosa likes to rock climb, and Blake likes to cook.

😆🤣😂😆😜