The end of the calendar year, with its busyness related to work, school, and upcoming holidays, often provokes mixed emotions in people. For the children, teens, and families that Free Arts serves, this time of year can surface their ongoing feelings regarding change, loneliness, and loss.

As I write this, the calendar tells me it is the second day of fall. In the Phoenix area, that means that we are starting to feel a brisk breeze in the 90s (that is some Arizona weather humor for those outside of the area). As the seasons change, it feels natural to reflect on...