Snow Day

I suppose you had to be there to remember those

cold and snowy winter days in Missouri—Boots

on and body wrapped in down-filled parka and

scarf; head donned with cap and ear muffs per-

haps, gloves or mittens to shield the hands.

And oh, the bitter cold, against thin slices of

skin exposed. Shovels and sleds, snow forts and

snow men, snowball fights with siblings and

friends. And first of all, the announcement on the

radio—school called off for the day. Hurray!

Hurray! Free to romp and play outside in the

elements today! Funny, though, I never once

considered those unfortunate kids in Florida or

Alabama for whom school was still in session.

They had to trot off to their classes in the rain

and fifty-degree temperatures. And what about

those poor kids in Alaska who likewise had too

attend school regardless of inclement weather.

Sub-freezing weather and piles of snow in winter

were a given most everyday for them. Either way,

whether down South or up North, school kids in

their classes never gave a thought to the likes of

me, braving the elements and close to frostbite as

I might be. I did, however, wonder about the nuns

who taught us. What did they do with their day off?

I am sure, come rain or shine, they still had to pray

for the salvation of all mankind given the bitter cold

and blowing snow even though hell was frozen over.

Chris Hanch 8-8-19