First Snowfall

New fallen snow covered the back yard. Two toddlers stared out at the winter wonderland. Daddy helped first one then the other into snow-pants and boots. Next came winter coats, hats and mittens. Ready at last, bundled up against the cold, they push against the door eager to explore the novel groundcover.

Frigid air greeted them as they stepped outside. Cautious at first they squatted down to brush at the white fluff. A snowy mitten was raised for closer examination. A curious tongue touched it. Eyes opened wide at the cool freshness and a smile lit up the tiny face.

A new year and a new beginning

The last year has been a year of changing tides both blessed with new babies being born, time spent with family and friends, and sadden by the loss of loved ones. Often the shift from one emotional state to the other and every feeling in-between would happen in space of a heartbeat. At other times the intensity of grief would slow time to a standstill and the minutes, hours and days would slide by without change. Then, without warning a small thing, the happy smile of a child, a polite ‘excuse me’ in a crowded store, or a caring call from someone not heard from for a long time would shift the world around me like the first hint of spring at the end of a long, cold, dark winter and life swells with warmth of love and friends and family and the simply joy of living.

May the New Year bring light to the shadows and new beginnings!