We Made It

I know Winter sucks. And I know this past winter was the coldest and snowiest in 130 years. I know it is nerve-wracking driving on slippery roads and the endless stream of cloudy days is downright depressing. It is a drag to put on and take off boots and gloves and hats and scarves multiple times per day. It is also tiresome trying to stay warm and look fashionable and professional under layers of clothing. Exercising indoors takes a toll after a while, as well - treadmills do the trick, but there is nothing as refreshing as an outdoor run or walk. Having said all that - I can’t help but notice something about my attitude as Spring draws nearer.

I am feeling a bit - victorious, I believe.

There is something invigorating about making it through those long dark days of winter. Yes, I slipped and fell - more than once, I might add - but I got back up! Yes, there were many white knuckle drives to work - but I got there! Yes, there were no-pay snow-days - but I got my bills paid! Yes, there were days where I just had to shut the blinds because the snow made me want to scream - but those days passed. Yes, the biggest disappointment of all was the affect the polar vortex had on the food truck - but I learned so much!

This Winter I found myself forced to develop a resiliency I wasn't particularly looking for. I think we all did - and one way or another,we got through. Somehow, we drove for hours each way to work, and found babysitters for the kids, and breathed even when it hurt. We posted unbelievable temperatures on Facebook and Tweeted the record-breaking wind-chills. We pulled together and sympathized and encouraged each other by laughing when we wanted to cry. We donated supplies and food and prayed for those who weren’t as fortunate as us. We replaced dead batteries and windshield wipers and alternators and heaters. We dealt with broken pipes and worn-out furnaces. We lost gloves and found gloves and bought gloves and shared gloves. We faced skyrocketing heating bills by doubling up on blankets and wearing our coats at home.

We hung in there and kept on going and all of a sudden - March is here!

And the worst Winter in 130 years is on its way OUT!

Polar Vortex 2014 leaves behind a hardy bunch of resilient, and at least for me, grateful, people. Even though I grumbled with the best of grumblers during my lowest and coldest and weariest points these past few months, I am grateful for them. For one thing, I made a deal with myself before December came this past year: I told myself I would not complain about the weather on Facebook even ONE time - and I didn't! I looked and looked for the positive and found it over and over again and that makes me happy.  

I was also determined not to get discouraged with the food truck, no matter what happened, and I admit, there were times I had to talk and pray myself back up - but I never completely despaired. (And I only punched it once.) Despite the frustrations and discouragements - I gained a wealth of knowledge I would never have received had this winter been any different.

We did it, guys. It’s almost over. In just a few short weeks, Spring will be here. Look around! The trees are budding. The robins are back. Flowers will be pushing up through the ground. And we are still here. Still strong. Still fighting. Still joyful. Still blessed!  

---