Lately, I’ve been thinking about my life in terms of seasons. Thinking this way has been something that’s resonated with me for as long as I can remember, but I’ve leaned on it the last few months more so than I’ve ever done before. As I shared in the last issue, I became a mom in January. Since my son was born, I’ve found myself thinking things like – “I’m in the season of being a new mom,” or “This is really hard right now, but I’ll get through it.” I’ve also found myself even saying these things out loud. This perspective has not only helped me cope with the things that feel really challenging, but it also helps me be graceful with myself as I’m moving through whatever may be happening in my life.  

As I thought about the ways this perspective has been present throughout my life, I started thinking about patients I’ve worked with during my career. I started reflecting on the ones who talked about their cancer diagnosis in terms of a season, and others who didn’t resonate with this concept as much. I was reminded that we all have our own perspective on what’s happening in our lives. We each have our own way of coping too. And it’s an honor to be able to present with our patients – no matter their story, their perspective, or their coping style, we’re there to support them. It’s one of the best things about being an oncology social worker in my opinion.  

One thing that may be challenging for some patients to talk about after their cancer diagnosis is advance care planning (ACP), which is the topic of this issue of Connections. Sometimes, it’s also a difficult topic for us to talk about with patients. I think we all have our own comfort level, skills, and knowledge in this area. Our patients may also be open or hesitant to talk about it. We’re fortunate to have several gracious authors who have written about ACP, so I hope you enjoy reading their perspectives.  

In addition to offering several articles on this topic, we also have talented authors who have reflected on our recent conference and even shared a detailed overview of their presentation at the event. Finally, we have an update on the AOSW mentorship program.  

This is a packed issue full of so much information! I’m so grateful to all who have contributed to Connections, it wouldn’t be what it is without you!  

To start us off, we have an article from AOSW President Michael Grignon and member Lisa Petgrave Nelson about their ongoing journeys toward greater cultural awareness when engaging traditionally marginalized communities in discussions of ACP. Next, Secretary-Treasurer Brianna Joyce reflects on her time in this role and encourages us to look at any discomforts we may have around finances and how they can impact our work with patients.   

Jennifer Dimond writes about our role as oncology social workers in ACP and reflects on the work, including the challenges and rewards. Similarly, Laura Martinsen offers her perspective on our role in ACP and gives us some questions we can ask to help facilitate these conversations with patients. Hayley Feuchs writes about ACP with adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and provides several strategies to support patients in this age group. Michelle Hayes shares details about a program she has facilitated at the Dempsey Center to address ACP and provide education about palliative care, hospice and medical aid in dying to patients and their loved ones.  

Related to the conference, Education Director Kelly Hendershot reflects on the recent AOSW Annual Conference and shares teasers for future ones. Spirituality SIG leaders Sandy Blackburn and Debbie Mattison write about their conference presentation on spirituality in clinical practice and give us ideas on how to create a life map as well as how this tool can be helpful for us as social workers and for our patients.  

In some other AOSW news, we have an update from the Membership Committee on the relaunch of the mentorship program, which is an exciting opportunity for all of us!  

As I mentioned in my last column, I hope you read articles that resonate with you and drive your passion for the work and our organization. I also hope you’ll consider reaching out to an author or two – their email addresses are at the bottom of each article, making it easy to contact them. Part of the intention of this newsletter is to connect us with our colleagues. There are several great articles in this issue with plenty of opportunity for connection and discussion, so enjoy!  

Please also feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts you’d like to share about the newsletter. Or, if you just want to connect! Maybe we’re in a similar season, or maybe just talking about life or the work we do is something you’re interested in doing. I’m here and I welcome the communication from you. I want to thank you for providing space for this newsletter and for journeying with me through this season of life. And, if you’re also going through a season, please know I’m holding space in my heart for you. I’m looking forward to connecting with you soon!