Indigenous People’s Day on October 12th was the last day The Galley beach restaurant on Nantucket was open. It always closes for the season on that day, and the food is half price. A group of us meet each day during the summer at Galley beach to soak in the sun and are known as The Nantucket Beach Ladies. So, on Oct. 12 we gathered a group of 10 of us together to have lunch at The Galley closing, to celebrate Summer season’s end, and to begin to say our goodbyes.
The two-week time period following Indigenous People’s Day is the time frame in which our long-term seasonal friends leave their Nantucket homes and community to return to their homes in New York, Florida, the Southwest, and beyond. In less than two weeks, we have already said goodbye to no less than eight of those close friends, with more to come. We are fortunate to have had the most spectacular warm and beautiful October weather here on Nantucket. That helps us to deal with the sorrows of loss and separation. Actually, it makes an enormous difference. Focusing on the “power of place” during this time is particularly comforting and brings us a sense of peace.
We ask you to take a few moments from your busy lives, both professional and personal, to reflect on the positive power of place. We have no coaching tips and tricks today. Rather, we are urging you to take a walk, smell the fall leaves or ocean breezes.
Join us in celebrating and embracing change—be it melancholy or magic!
©2024 Nancy Martin and Patricia Kepenash
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