Snow

Snow

     I'm not sure why snow intrigues me so much.  I just know that I've always loved the snow.  I know it can cause a lot of problems, but going beyond all of that there is just something magical about snow. 

       One of my first memories as a child is from around 1961 and I was 2.  My Aunt Boby kept me because my mom and dad were separated and my mom had to work.  She was a beautician as they were called back in the day.  She worked long, hard hours for not as much money as a stylist can make today.  The snow began around 6 or 7 P.M. and my mom came in her old black, straight-shift Chevy to get me from my aunt's house.  We lived about 4 miles up the road, but up a very steep hill.  I was sleepy and I remember looking out the window from time to time to see the snow hitting the windshield.  Don't tell the law enforcement, but I was probably sitting in my mom's lap. Not a big concern as it should have been back in those days.  I remember the tires spinning several times as we made our way to our house.  We had to cross a railroad track off of Mission Ridge Road in Fairview, Georgia.  We crossed the track and mom proceeded to try to convince the old car to make it up the hill, but no such luck.  I think she tried three or four times, but to no avail.  Mothers will do what mothers have to do when put in a situation to protect their children.  It was very cold and she had worked all day.  She had on some clear rubber shoe covers/boots; I don't even think they make them anymore. She was wearing her uniform,a dress and she got out of the car, got her pocketbook, wrapped me in a blanket and proceeded to walk up the hill in the dark.  My mom probably didn't weigh more than 112 lbs.  She put me on her chest and I lay down my head on her shoulder.  I'm sure she was also carrying my bag of things from my day at my aunt's house.  We walked up the hill as the cold snow hit against our faces.  Mom had a scarf on her head to protect her from the wind.  The trek was only about a fourth of a mile, but it seemed like four miles.  I felt safe and secure in her arms.  I could smell her perfume and the beauty shop smells on her clothes, permanent wave solution and hairspray, and felt the warmth from her body as I dozed in and out of slumber.  We made it home and whenever it snows I always remember that night with my mom carrying me stumbling and tripping as we made our way up the curvy steep hill.  

     Another memory that always comes back to mind is my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Snow, yes I said Snow, reading us a short story by Conrad Aiken.  The story was "Silent Snow, Secret Snow".  She could always transport the listener into the story.  I was there in the boy's room when he awoke and snow covered  everything inside and outside his house.  I could see everything covered in the glistening white ice crystals.  Later, in the 70's Night Gallery made the story into one of their episodes and I was thrilled.  I've often had dreams of walking in a winter wonderland and everything inside and outside is covered in beautiful white snow.  

    I've always loved playing  in the snow, making snow angels, making snowmen, sledding and just walking through it looking for animal tracks.  Even the blizzard of 93 with all of its havoc and inconvenience was just beautiful.  We had snow drifts of 23 inches in some places.  I won't say it was an easy week, it was not.  We had to leave our home to go somewhere with heat, but had no water. We had to melt snow and boil it.   We learned to cook on a fireplace and we learned how to make do with what we had.  We also had to live with my sister-in-law and her family for the week and we all slept on pallets on the floor near the fireplace to keep warm.  Our children were young and we had to do what we had to do to keep them safe.  

     I remember having a couple of white Christmases during my life time and those were very special.  This morning I awoke to let out the dogs and even though we'd been told we were going to get snow, I was still startled when I opened the door to my own "Silent Snow, Secret Snow".  Wow, was all that came out of my mouth.  There is just something about the beauty, the quietness and the cleanness of a new fallen snow.  

     I also think about how Jesus' blood cleanses our souls as white as snow if we trust in Him. 

Isaiah 1:18 

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 


     Well, I got to enjoy a substantial snow today.  We had about 6 inches here in Teloga.  My husband and I went on a hike and then I made snow cream.  I didn't use my mom and my aunt's recipe this time.  I made it the new-fangled way with sweetened condensed milk.  I added some vanilla and a little bit of 2% milk.  It was very good, but I think I may still like the old recipe a little better.  It was snow, about a half cup of milk, a half cup of sugar and a little vanilla, all to taste of course!  The snow is beginning to melt a little, but we will get round two of Winter Storm Pax, tomorrow as more snow and maybe ice will arrive. We have gas heat so this time we will be okay, I hope, if the power goes out.  I have just enjoyed seeing God's artistry today.  Everything looks clean and new.  I love God's grace of giving things a fresh start.  Enjoy it while it is still pristine and not muddy sludge.  Go make yourself some snow cream and have a fresh start.