Snow Days

When my brother and I were kids, we went to a small school with only 50 kids (K-8). It was small enough that when we missed the bus, the driver made a special trip to come get us after her regular pick-ups. It was also small enough that every child got a phone call when there was a snow day (we didn't have to listen to the radio and all the other cancellations, just in case).

Tonight, a big storm is forecast. Even a foot or more in the northern mountains. Although I am no longer in the school system, there is an excitement of the mere possibility of NO SCHOOL tomorrow. There is something about the potential the night before... as you do your homework, you can't help but think "mmm, maybe we don't even have to be doing this!". You don't think about staying later in June, just the sheer joy and the gift of having this free day TOMORROW! I remember when the phone would ring around 6:30, and Andrew and I would jump up and down with glee, knowing who was on the other end before we even got to the phone.

The real beauty of a snow day is that it is a completely free day. You're not sick. You have all your homework done. There's lots and lots of fresh, beautiful snow to play in. You can completely live in the moment.

I'll never forget the intense excitement my brother and I shared when that phone rang. Listening to the radio announcememts has its own qualities, too, though. So, here's to all the school age kids as they hope for a snow day tomorrow--so willing to trade a day in December for that warm day in June.