Snow Angel Mama!

Last Friday I was feeling much better (long story) and had just dropped Hunter off at school. We'd picked up his new glasses and he was so excited! He kept telling me that "I can see this better Mom! Hey Mom I didn't know there was a tree over there! Wow! This is so awesome! Look at the colors and the snow and I can read that sign over there!" It was so much fun making sure he had those glasses and they looked great too.

When I stepped out of the van I was smiling about the day. I didn't realize what a hazzard the fresh snow that dusted the ice by the side door of our house had become. As soon as I decended the little incline from the driveway to the porch my feet flew out from under me. My purse was open and all the contents were strewn across the snow... It was such a peaceful day and as I lay there on my back looking up for the first time that day, I gazed at the sky. My first thought, did anyone see me fall? Second thought was how much that had hurt!

I remember thinking, "Ice is good for inflamation!" Yeah, right! Then I decided to make sure everything worked before I got up. The result when I stood was a perfect snow angel on the ground where I had lain. I brushed myself off and stumbled through the door. What awaited me was even worse than the fall.

Our dear pup Kiera had somehow managed to get out of her dog kennel and had found a very full garbage can to investigate and fiest upon. Rubbish was all over my house in every room! Her kennel was the worst of all. All the wrappers and tin cans, cartons and egg shells seemed to be horded up there. It was overwhelming to deal with as my back started to really hurt. My fingertips were numb and I felt my shoulder begin to ache. Not to mention my bum was really sore!

Then suddenly I had a thought pop into my head as clear as a sunny day! A dear woman whom I'd been visiting with in recent weeks had felt this same way, for years! Years? I thought.

I stood there trying to understand this picture clarity unfolding in my mind. The reason her house was so full of "stuff" was that her life was far too overwhelming and painful and after several years of one event after traumatic event, she had simply stood still. I had experienced one single day of back to back challenges. Could I even imagine years of this going on? It was a humbling thought.

I was grateful that I'd been kind to her and had seen past the garbage, the dog carrying a deer leg (not kidding!) and the stacks of things-- to find the wonderful warm spirit within this beautiful woman. I'm grateful for the counsel I'd taken to heart by President Hinkley--to be kind to our brothers and sisters. She says she's coming back to church now and I'm so happy for her. When she's ready, she'll let me know what I can do to lighten her burden. I'll try hard not to make snow angels in her driveway this winter:)

Quote of the Day: President Gordon B. Hinckley--