It has been a very brutal winter here in the land of Lincoln. At this point in most years we've seen a few glimpses of the spring to come that makes it easier to endure the last gasps of old man winter as he goes down fighting. This year he is determined to keep his dukes up and pummel us into within an inch of our sanity. It's no use looking to mother nature to save us, we must rely on other things.
The most reliable source of warmth, as always, is the warmth of family and friends. Spending time laughing and sharing stories with a friend is a source of heat that not only warms you during the contact but also when you think about the moment and memories. Reflecting on this past week I am remembering all the warmth that will sustain me through the coming weeks when papa winter reprimands me with a biting wind and frosty temperature. These moments seem insignificant if you look at them one by one, but when aggregated create a blanket that comforts and takes away the chill of any day.
Just off the top of my head:
The morning "paid my dues" bus ride connecting, laughing and understanding
The executive ladies night out networking that included a drive filled with laughter and meeting up with old friends and old stories
The staff member who lost a friend and needed a hug (and got one)
The glass of wine at the end of the day with a friend who has been dealing with a very sick spouse that turned into a giggle fest
The breakfast with an adult child and her unbridled hysteria laugh
The phone call with a sibling that has nothing of substance but induces huge smiles
All of these moments are small and easily missed. I wonder when people say what a rotten week they had if they took time to remember all the small good moments. Uncomfortable times sometimes set in and stay longer than we like, such as this winter, but even in the worst times there are beautiful moments.
I hope you find yours and that you hold on to the hope of spring!
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