Late Winter Sunrise off of my Balcony
Last night, as
usual, I sat outside on the bench in my backyard. Maybe this is the favorite
part of my day. Often, I carry a cup of tea; although sometimes it is cold
before I even get to the bench! Last night was no different. The steam
dissipated in moments. Nonetheless, it was stunning.
The sky is
always beautiful in the winter. There is something about the sunsets that bring
a catch in my throat as I enjoy the beauty. Last night the waxing gibbous moon
played hide-n-seek with Jupiter as we also say farewell to Saturn. I wish
everyone would take a few moments outside at nighttime just to reflect on the
day and be away from all distractions…if only for a few moments.
Once when I was
at Hamilton, we did Moon Journals. The students decorated the covers with
stickers and drawings of the moon. The idea was to record every single night
what they observed. Sometimes it was just a gray sky or rain or fog or snow.
Other times, the brilliance of the moon and planets did take their breath away.
They were always excited about their journals and loved sharing them in class.
As I sat last
night, the reflection from the moon and the nearby streetlamp cast a pale glow
on the snow. Memories flooded back to me as they often do.
Waking up to
snow days was so magical. No elearning! (I would not have done well with that.)
But, listening to the door creak open as my mom whispered, “No school.” What
makes a child happier than that? As I look back, I think, ahh…sleeping in would
have been good, but who wants to waste a day. Time to get up and dress and head
outside to play and back in for cocoa and back out for play. I know moms fret
those times in and out with children. The worst part of a snow day was when it
was over. We always hoped for another one, but usually just one at a time. My
children were the same way out the door for the day, back in for lunch and back
out. Luckily, and I do mean luckily, I did not grow up with social media or
phones and neither did my three sons. Their fun and joy was outside, and it did
not matter what time of year. They were always outside in the winter playing, ice
fishing, ice skating, doing chores.
In my
childhood, there was also skating at McMillan Ice Rink…every single night. I
was such a good skater even wearing my grandpa’s jacket from The Big One. I
always went with my girlfriends as we did not talk to boys, at least not yet.
We walked to the rink even though we lived a mile away. No one ever had rides to anything! We carried
our skates over our shoulders and made our way through the park. Oh, not on the
sidewalks. Oh no. We walked through the open areas stopping to make snow angels
and help each other up. We always helped each other up. Once at the rink, we
changed into our skates leaving our worn winter boots by the benches hoping
someone would steal them. No one ever did. We skated til the rink closed and we
had to go home. Again, walking home in the dark. No one ever picked us up. The
snow sparkled like diamonds and rubies and emeralds. I always laughed and said
that someday I would be rich with those jewels. Of course, that day never came.
Nor do I want that day to come. I want my riches in love and kindness and
humanity. I don’t care about other things.
Reaching our
street, we walked down the middle of the street still chatting as cars swerved
around us, I mean, we were the ice skaters. Arriving home, I hung up my skates
and my grandpa’s jacket in time for meat loaf and mashed potatoes. The house
was warm and cozy, the table set. It was a lovely childhood, and winter was
magical.
I do hope these
past few days have been fun and magical for kids and for families. How
wonderful to spend time together to play games, or to take walks. It is about
letting children be children. I envy you, parents, who still have children in
your care. Enjoy them. Let this winter be full of gratefulness. Spend time with
your children. They need you.
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