by D.A. Marshall

Created on: January 10, 2010   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

As soon as autumn has passed, snow is on my mind.  In fact, I actually pray for it to happen.  And to hear of the possibility of snow makes me giddy with childish excitement.  Ever since I was a little girl, snow has been magical to me.  To awake in the morning to snow falling outside my window was almost as wonderful as discovering that Christmas had happened during my sleep.  Even now, as an adult, a snowy morning has the same affect on me. 

Before this wonderful surprise can be disturbed, my husband and I bundle up in warm clothing and snow boots and walk the streets while the snow continues to fall.  The trunks of massive oaks give a stark contrast to the white backdrop .  The once noisy, busy streets are now silent, as if we have been sealed off from the rest of the world in a snow globe.  Looking up into the gray skies, feeling the flakes kiss my face, gives a sense of joy and peace that no other activity can accomplish.

When the cold begins to settle in our bones, we make our way toward home and the warmth that awaits us inside.  Hot cocoa comes to mind, and we grab our favorite mugs from the cupboard.  There is something calming about watching the falling snow while drinking hot cocoa.  Not long ago, I remember quietly, we would hear the boisterous laughing of our children and their playmates in anxious anticipation of the warm chocolate.  After some quick gulps and a short board game or two, the snow gear would go back on and they would be out the door again for more fun. 

All afternoon, our kids would spend their energy on building snow people and having snowball fights.  It wouldn't be long before the snowy perfection of our yard would be completely trampled.  With both children now grown, instead of endless tracks of kids' bootprints all over the yard, we see smooth, perfect seas of snow, completely undisturbed. 

Warmer weather now threatens to erase all evidence of our most recent snow.  The dingy remains will disappear, and our normal daily activities will resume.  I hope it won't be long, though, before we are blessed again with another morning surprise and the delicious slowdown that comes with it. 

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

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