Snowy Memories

Growing up in Texas and Louisiana, snow was a special, magical thing. It just did not happen on a regular basis, so it became an event when we got to see or experience snow. The best thing about snow is the way it brings out the kid in anyone.

I remember a few isolated snowy experiences when I was very young. There was the day my dad took us about three or so hours to the north of town so he could show us what real snow looked like. In high school, my then-boyfriend asked me to go steady on a snowy night. Of course, a snowy night in Houston was more ice than snow, but it was enough to have kept us home from school that day. I ended up marrying that boy, years later and we are still happily married. I chose a college that got snow from time to time, and I found myself wishing for snow on my birthday every year. I remember the announcer at one of our football games announcing that throwing snowballs onto the football field was NOT ok and would cause our team to be penalized. That is also where I got to see the gentle glow of holiday lights on snow for the first time.

When my husband and I moved out here to Nevada from Texas, I finally got to experience deep snow on a regular basis. It has not lost its appeal. Before we were parents, my husband shoveled snow off of the back deck so the dogs could go outside. He then piled that snow in the yard, trying to make a luge track. I was not brave enough to try it, but our dogs had a great time playing with him out there.

And then we were parents. Sledding, building snowmen, and making snow angels all took on new joy and fun. Seeing their smiles and rosy cheeks after time in the snow is something I will never forget. My kids are a little older now, but I still get to experience the joy of young children mixing with snow when I substitute at elementary schools. The enthusiasm kids bring to their snow play is contagious. Just when I think I know all the fun ways to play in the snow, I see children show me something new, be it on the playground or in their yards when I look out our windows.

I look forward to someday being a grandmother and getting to see another generation responding to snowy days. I hope I never lose that joy brought by the first snow of the season. I also hope to remember the lesson kids give us when they play - to be in the moment and not let the fear of cold wet clothes spoil the fun.