Another winter storm has come through. Prayers of a snow day have been granted. This is not the first storm, but it is the first snow day. Looking out the window it does not look much worse than those that have come before. I am not complaining though. As much as I enjoy shoveling, and as much as I have found the good in the quiet of pre-dawn, sharing the world with only the snow plows, I am content this morning to lie in bed. With no alarm to wake me I have slept past sunrise. This is certainly my preference to wait for the sun.
Today's snow day was officially called before the end of the middle school day yesterday. While it seemed premature as no snow was falling at the time, there is a need in every child, parent, and teacher in cold climes to have a snow day. It is a childhood memory held dearly. As much as it can be inconvenient for working parents, a snow day is a gift of time, a day for snow man making, snow ball fights, and sledding. Snow day memories seem somehow more special. Jesse remembers the last looking out our window watching the snow fall. The memory is almost a poem.
Of course it doesn't always turn out as planned. In February 2007 a water pipe burst at the kids' school. We spent part of the day sledding at Cedervale Park, and Sean spent part of the day at the hospital with Keren. But broken legs heal, and many a better day has been spent since.
Today the is homework to do, but also movies to watch, games to play, and a snowman calling to be made.
