Snow Day

First snow.  And Gracie and I were the first ones in the woods this afternoon, breaking the trail.  I was sweating in my jacket in no time, heart pounding as I trudged up the path.  It felt good to have my snowshoes on again, and pretty sobering to realize how out of shape I am.  I stood still for a moment, caught my breath, quieted the thoughts racing through my head.  All morning I’d answered e-mails, talked on the phone, enjoyed the pleasure of hearing from old friends who took the time to write after watching the YouTube video that we posted yesterday.  I love knowing that the words and pictures have touched hearts, have inspired moms to grab their kids and hug them tight, to savor the ordinary moment that is now.

When we woke to the sound of snow plows this morning, I was excited, and then a little sad. There’s nothing better on a dark December morning than being the messenger to sleeping teenagers, getting to whisper those magical words, “No school today.”  I missed my boys this morning, missed having them lounging around in sweats and tee shirts while the snow fell outside, missed the leisurely breakfast, the afternoon shoveling, the coziness of being snowed in with the kids.  Jack called when he finished classes, and then Henry, and that helped a bit.  As did all the notes that came in from mothers saying, “thanks for reminding me of what really matters.”

Out in the woods, the snow was deep.  The silence, complete.  And by the time I got home, I felt better–rejuvenated, able to face the empty house, ready for a cup of tea, and to answer a few more letters.  To everyone who has watched the video and sent it along to friends, thank you!  I so appreciate your support and your willingness to help my book reach its audience.