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There’s this sense of loss I feel, as the leaves depart, and are replaced by blustery, cold days. I yearn for hot tea and a warm blanket, and get lost in wistful moods, remembering years past, far-away people, warm faces.  

Our kids are three boisterous bundles of energy, SO EXCITED for holiday breaks, foods, and trips outdoors every chance we can get! 

It’s a season full of opposites. There’s both an urgency (Stack up the wood! Unbox the winter clothes!), and a growing sense of quiet…like there might be a hint of rest coming, a hibernation of sorts. The woods are quiet on my morning walks, I can see the sky through the tree branches. A meditative, brooding, restful time.

I keep returning to this video, taken during one of my early spring walks. Water reminds me of life, and all its opportunity and potential. As we head into the quiet time of the year, I like to remind myself of that sleeping energy. The excitement of spring gives way to the beauty of summer, and the bounty of fall.

Winter is a season of rest, reflection, and renewal. Our human bodies need all of these, and right now, rest most especially. The river is like an energy that runs underneath all of that, the quiet heartbeat of life. I pause in gratitude for being here, being present, and a little prayer of Thanksgiving for the joy of being alive. 

UPDATES:

COVID PCR Testing!
Grace Health is proud to partner with the Maine State HETL Lab in Augusta, to offer rapid-turnaround PCR testing (48-72 hours).  Free to members (plus courier fee to get samples to Augusta), low-cost to non-members through Convenient Care.

Please use the Patient Passport app to connect with me regarding your needs, or call (207) 303-8800.

Testing is also available free from these locations (courier costs covered by the State of Maine)
Portland International Airport
Walgreens Pharmacies

COVID Rapid Antigen Testing:
Grace Health is now able to offer COVID Rapid Antigen Tests!

Tests are most accurate during the first 3-7 days of a symptomatic illness (ie flu-like symptoms, cough, cold, runny nose, body aches, headache, loss of taste/smell, nausea, diarrhea). They cannot be used for screening in asymptomatic patients (ie before or after travel), for travel, PCR testing is recommended.

For more information, email me at drnorman@gracehealthmaine.com or call (207) 303-8800.

In Health,
Dr. Annie