Spring, starting in March and lasting till June, is defined by Wikipedia as one of the four temperate seasons, following winter and proceeding summer. There are various technical definitions of spring, but local usage of the term varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. At the spring (or vernal) equinox, days and night are approximately twelve hours long, with day length increasing and night length decreasing as the season progresses. Spring and “springtime” refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth. In ancient Greece, the cycle of death and rebirth was linked with the agricultural seasons and the regeneration of vegetation. To an urban, twenty first-century reader the passing of the seasons bears few more consequences than a change in their wardrobe, but to a meager farmer on the ancient Greek shores the coming of the spring rain and summer harvest brought with it life to an entire civilization. The gravity of the vegetation cycle can perhaps be only fully understood by those who live off the land. It’s usually somebody else’s life that’s been turned inside out. Somebody we hear or read about—or see in graphic images on TV or streaming across social media standing in the floodwaters of a hurricane, the rubble of an earthquake, the ashes of a fire, or the aftermath of terrorism. We identify with their shock, heartbreak, and profound confusion about how to move forward. Their lives as they knew them have been lost, forever. The rugs have been pulled out from under them, and they find themselves on new and unfamiliar paths, starting over. But sometimes the roles are reversed. We’re the ones people are watching on the news or reading about. A natural disaster has befallen us or those we love. And we’re reeling, gasping for air, and grieving the unspeakable losses that vTHROUGH THE LENS continued on page 31 30vHERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2019 Got Spring Storm Damage? “We’ve Got You Covered” If recent weather events have wreaked havoc on your house, call the trusted storm damage repair experts for professional, reliable service and quality results that will restore your home to pre-storm condition – or better! We will also deal directly with your insurance company to minimize paperwork and inconvenience to you, our valued customer. 1600 Whiting Dr., Yankton, SD (605)857-1472 •NO OBLIGATION Inspection & Estimate • Insurance Preferred Contractor • Licensed / Bonded / Insured