Small Moments, Quiet Renewal
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
As I sit here in the middle of February writing this column, I can feel spring right around the corner. There is so much to enjoy outdoors in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois region. After months of winter cold, the city slowly awakens: daffodils push through warming soil, trees bud with tender green, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of new growth. Spring in St. Louis isn’t just a season — it’s a feeling of renewal that unfolds all around us.
One of the first signs of spring is the return of sunlight lingering into the evening. Suddenly, it’s possible to leave work and walk through our unending parks and trails. Families, cyclists, and dog owners reclaim green spaces once more. The Mississippi bluffs, Forest Park, and the blooming cherry blossoms at the Missouri Botanical Garden provide perfect backdrops for mindful movement, reflection, and play.
Seasonal outdoor markets also return, offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and opportunities to support local growers and makers. Farmers markets throughout our city and counties become hubs of community energy where neighbors reconnect, and the pace feels just a little slower and more intentional.
Spring reminds us that growth doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes renewal arrives quietly — even in the care we give those we love.
My dog Kiba was recently diagnosed with diabetes. At first, I was very scared I would hurt him by giving insulin twice a day. But the needle is tiny, and he has been a true champ — patient and trusting, even when his mom is still learning. I first noticed something was wrong when he began drinking more water and losing weight. A visit to the vet and bloodwork confirmed diabetes. I feared treatment would be difficult and expensive, but so far neither has been true.
If you or someone you know has a dog diagnosed with diabetes — or you suspect something may be wrong — feel free to email me. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned, including mistakes to avoid.
Like spring itself, healing often comes one small step at a time.