Is spring really in March? As I turn the calendar my thoughts turned to the potential life that must be under the blanket of snow. We seem to need to have winter to appreciate spring and see life make it's appearance again. I love all the seasons of the year, and the beauty of the snow too. And even blizzards can be invigorating. I arrived home in time for the TGIF Blizzard, and was shut in my home as the north wind blew. It was another snow day last Friday and no school for many students. It brought back memories for me of being snowed in, and not able to attend school in that one room country schoolhouse when I was a young student. It was a time for family togetherness in that warm kitchen. It was the era of no TV and video, but we had our games and read and told stories around that round kitchen table. The warmth of the old kitchen range and the aroma of homemade goodies permeated the room, and gave me warm feelings of family contentment. A memory I will always cherish. I do believe every story I've ever read about the 1888 Blizzard, and the many heroic stories of our pioneers. My own life experiences have convinced me that these stories are truth and not fiction. Some days I think I may be one of the last pioneers to weather the winter storms and blizzards that are challenging, but those spring blizzards can be even more unexpected and challenging.

Traveling alone when the calendar tells us it is spring and one suddenly drives into an area of ice and snow can be a most unforgettable experience. It happened a couple of years ago when I was still living in Nebraska. It was the week after spring was announced on the calendar, and I wanted a spring break to visit family in South Dakota and I also scheduled a lecture. I was dressed for spring, and was excited about my spring break. On my return home I encountered a few inches of ice on the interstate and snow that made visibility impossible. The car made a dive into the ditch and there I was, as I watched that robin in the snow. "Will someone find me?" I thought. Moments past and I recalled how God always sent an angel to rescue me in all my travel dilemmas. I was not at all prepared, or dressed for the cold and all the snow. After all, it was spring according to the calendar. Before I even had a chance to have my own personal self-pity party, I noticed a light in the distance, and a jeep and two angels who came to rescue me and take me to a fire station, until I could get help to get the car back on the road. After six hours in the fire station we finally were able to get that car out of the ditch. I drove back to Nebraska on ice as I felt an angel on each shoulder. The joys and challenges of traveling in the spring bring back many memories. I am sure you have many true stories to share.

A bit of wisdom: May you laugh as long as you live and live as long as you laugh. A letter from Wisconsin: "Grandma, Will you come to see me when the snow melts?" Warm Thoughts for the week: Belief is truth held in the mind. Faith is a fire in the heart. Joseph Fortnew. Have a great week, enjoying the warmth of home and family.

Warm thoughts from The Little House on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

Published in the Marion Record on March 2nd, 1994

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Till next time,

Trina