Early this morning, even before the night-time darkness had finally relented, the call came. No school today. Snow day! 

In our home, snow days have always been special, even when we home-schooled. When the snow fell deep enough that neighboring schools were shuttered for the day, we too would take a day off. 

I’d bundle the kids up and help them out the door. 10 minutes later they’d be back, wet and cold. Boots, gloves and wet clothes were shed and left in a pile by the door. Cold, little fingers wrapped around cups of hot chocolate and icy toes were stretched toward the fire burning in the fireplace. 

I’d put their wet clothes in the dryer, knowing it wouldn’t be long before we’d do it all again.  

Later in the afternoon, we’d gather around the fire and play a game or two. We’d play and laugh and I’d try to keep the peace as competitive little souls tried to learn how to lose … and how to win … graciously. 

Last winter we only had one snow day, late in spring. We didn’t know it then, but last winter, dry and warm, was a precursor to the drier summer that would result in massive wildfires across Colorado. Just south of us, the Spring Creek Fire would consume 108,000 acres, (or 170 square miles) and 130 homes making it the 3rd largest fire in Colorado’s history. 

 

Livestock died or were sold as ranchers struggled to find enough grass to fill theirbellies. A line formed at the water station as people were forced to haul water to meet their needs. 

I watched as the water in our creek slowed and eventually dried. A kind neighbor hauled water for our horses and calf while I dealt with a well that was struggling to produce water in these drought conditions. 

Late summer brought rain, and we dared to hope that the drought would lose it’s grip. Even then, we knew that winter would tell the real story. Rain was welcome and needed but only snow, and lots of it, could free us from the drought and it’s destruction.

Today is Halloween. Our little town will close Main Street and kids and adults alike will fill the streets. We call it Halloween Town and it’s a festive, annual tradition. Businesses and homes will offer candy, hot chocolate, cookies and cider. This year the fall decorations will be obscured by snow and winter coats will hide carefully chosen costumes. But, the cold can’t dampen the warmth of a community. People will brave the snow and cold and laugher will echo off of the mountain.

I don’t know if we will get the full 12” of snow predicted by the weather report. And I can’t predict with any certainty whether or not winter will continue to bring the snow we so desperately need. But there’s snow on the mountain and snow in my yard and sometimes, snow is more than just snow. Sometimes snow is hope.