My History With Snow

Summary

The text recounts the author's evolving relationship with snow, from childhood excitement and play to adult concerns and cautions.

Abstract

The author reflects on their history with snow, beginning with the joyous experiences of childhood where snow days meant sledding, building snow forts, and engaging in snowball fights. The nostalgia is palpable as they recall the simple pleasures of winter activities and the warmth of hot cocoa shared with siblings and friends. As an adult, the author continued these traditions with their own children, participating in snowy play with enthusiasm, albeit with a heightened awareness of potential dangers. Now, in older age, while the beauty of snow is still appreciated, its arrival is met with trepidation due to the increased risk of injury from falls on ice and the physical strain of shoveling. Despite these concerns, the author acknowledges the importance of snow in bringing joy to children and accepts the challenges it brings.

Opinions

Snow was a source of joy and wonder during the author's childhood, transforming the landscape into a winter playground.
The author values the traditions and activities associated with snow, such as building snowmen and ice skating.
There is a sense of community and familial warmth, particularly in the memory of the author's mother providing hot cocoa for many children.
Shoveling snow is depicted as both a chore and an opportunity for earning money, with a notable exception for an elderly neighbor out of a sense of altruism.
The author expresses concern about the risks associated with snow as they age, including the dangers of ice and the physical toll of snow removal.
Despite the increased risks, the author acknowledges the enchanting beauty of snow and its ability to delight children, which tempers their adult apprehens

Poem

As a child Praying for a lot of snow so that school would be cancelled Snow meant a winter wonderland Trees decorated as befits true majesties of nature With many joyful activities in which to engage Bundled up in ski pants-coat-mittens-boots Sledding down hills that seemed like mountains Cardboard would do in a pinch Snow forts to be constructed Snowballs to be pounded into proper shape Battles ensued

Snow people to be made Adorned with hats and scarves A carrot for a nose Large buttons for eyes Ice skating for those with real skates(not me) A break for hot cocoa with marshmallow served in our cellar So that we could keep our winter gear on My mother provided it not only for her own eight kids But our friends as well

Shoveling Lots and lots of shoveling Driveway(often by myself) Front and back stairs Sidewalk Then proceeded to shovel for other houses To earn a little money But the older couple next door Forbidden by my mother to accept payment from them Something about good deeds being their own reward

As an adult with children of my own Supervised and assisted my kids With all the same activities I did as a child Still had my snowball throwing arm and accuracy Sledding down hills with the youngest between my legs And a few turns on my own With a growing awareness How fortunate that there weren’t more accidents With many kids zooming down the biggest hills at the same time An occasional tree as an occupational hazard While kids walking back up had to dodge the sleds coming down

Present time Much older Playing with my grandchildren in the snow Snowballs and snow children once again Not able to resist taking a turn on a sled myself But a darker side to the whole season takes prominence Snow dreaded Treacherous ice feared A fall when young might mean bruises Today might result in broken bones Walking the dog becomes a stressful venture Shoveling is a worry Is there a point at which my body will reach its limit Driving is a cause for trepidation All wheel drive insufficient on icy roads

Snow remains beautiful to look at As it dances its way to the surface Adorning trees in a way that painters can only dream of replicating I have to admit though Today winter storms are more to be wished away Than to be awaited with eager anticipation Yet For the sake of today’s children To see the smiles on their faces As they frolic in the snow Let the storms come I’ll manage somehow