“Snowzilla,” as one forecaster hailed it, has turned Portland inside out, along with numerous pairs of dripping snow bibs. Our front entry is gloriously adorned with an avalanche of coats, balaclavas, hats, gloves, mittens and boots, depending upon how many neighbor kids have stormed the house for cocoa. Snow invigorates children!
Older neighbors are not faring as well. News of harrowing slips and falls (one neighbor broke her thumb) and the inability to obtain groceries are sobering. Another senior neighbor with an ill wife resides on a steep hill. These kind folks generously allow the raucous clan of neighbor boys (my sons included) to conquer their driveway by scooter in summer, and by sled in winter, despite inconvenience or disturbance.
This snowy holiday week created a valuable “give-back” opportunity for the kids. At a modest suggestion, the six boy bunch dropped a game of snow tackle in order to clear the elderly couple’s front porch, two sets of steps and sidewalk path so the gentleman had safe street access. The kids worked arduously (for what felt like hours to them) scraping ice, shoveling snow and sprinkling salt. They were pleased as popsicles at the finish, as were the neighbors. (And then it snowed another five inches. Sigh.)
Every cloud – whether drenched with rain, sleet or snow – sports a silver lining if we take the time to help kids find it, especially if they shovel it out themselves.
Submitted by Kandy

December 23rd, 2008 | Category: Metro Parent