What Winter Taught Me

Living in the midwest, Minnesota to be exact, I'm preparing for the arrival of winter. The bitter-sweet season presents its challenges for even a Minnesotan born and raised here. As much as I love the gentle flakes of snow, the crisp winter air and the aroma of a fire burning in the fireplace, I still find myself longing for the long, sunny days of summer. The short dark days, inevitable snow storms and ice covered roads present challenges every year. Last year we lucked out with very little snow to shovel and clear roads for most of the season. When my fifty-four year old husband died in 2000, a mild winter was not the case. Alone, I spent many hours walking behind our Murray snowblower blowing the day's accumulation of snow out of the driveway after a long day at work and a stressful drive home. Without my husband or any adult children to help, that winter was the most grueling of my life. Yet, in hind sight, that winter taught me many things about myself and finding meaning in life again. Here are five of my insights:

1. Winter will come again, for now plow through it.
2. A snowblower manual only helps if you read it, preferably before it snows.
3. Blowing snow in the dark has its advantages, the stars are beautiful.
4. Christmas is only one day, it's the other 364 days that require your energy.
5. Blowing snow for several hours gives you time to think. Focus on what you've accomplished and keep going. 

If you've recently lost a loved one, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that I understand your journey because I've walked that tough path of grief. Hang on to the memories, carry them in your heart and reach out to others who can offer support. Let those angels lift you up!