I Looked Out the Window and What Did I See?

 At the time of this writing, it is winter. Looking out our front window my first thought is, "I see snow!" Today our road is completely covered in snow covered ice. The many trees are covered in a thin layer of frost which is lingering because of the fog. I see snow drifts that are piled high from snowblowers, tractors, shovels, and four-wheelers with plows. I see my driveway filled with cars covered in ice that will need to be scraped away before they leave. I see so much that reminds me of winter  - cold and bleak. But, looking out the window there is much more.

I see neighbors that I love, some like family. I see the Birch family who is very quiet and stay inside most of the time. Except, Reina who jumps on their trampoline for hours doing fronts and backs over and over and over. She hollers across the street asking millions of questions and calls me Mrs. Grant. I also think of the many hours I spent visiting with Gray and Althea inside that house and the history I learned from them. I see the Dillard house that is kind of a mess, much like thier lives. But, I love the boys who are mostly grown. I think of all the times David and I have greeted each other at 7:05 in the morning - twice. One hello as I walk by and he jumps into his vehicle and the second hello coming as we wave at each other around the block while he waits for me to cross the intersection and while he is stopped at the stop sign. I see Jim's big green building that reminds me how much we love him and have been blessed by his willingness to plow us out dozens of times and the many chats we have had on the grass between our yards. They are such good people.

I see the Parker's yard that reminds me of how happy I am that they bought that house. We love them. They are amazing people with great kids that we have enjoyed watching grow. Looking at their yard reminds me of a wonderful and heartfelt conversation John and I had about families and that John said, "families are messy," as he was dealing with such a difficult time. And I agreed and we both cried. I think of the MANY times we have chased dogs across both our yards and around the yard and the giggles we have shared while doing it. We truly are grateful that the Parkers are there.

I see a neighborhood that has been a safe haven for our family as they have grown. The Goulds, Willmores, Christiansens, Creers, Roses, Hirschis, Romrells, Tuckers, and many many more wonderful amazing people. Houses don't stay vacant for long in this neighborhood because it is wonderful place to be. I'm grateful to be part of it. 

Yes, the snow covers the surface of everything out the window and makes me a little less positive about it, but, the memories and blessings of what is outside brings a beautiful that no snow can hide.