Remind Me. How Many Days Until Spring?

I do not subscribe to weather hysteria. I have never rushed to the store to buy milk and bread in the face of an impending storm. I do not cancel planned activities two or three days in advance just in case. I am not really a worrier. I am a native New Englander and I can handle the rain, snow, ice and even the occasional power outage. I am also not yet hampered by age.

This morning's drive to work though reminded me of the mornings when I would have to get up early when there was snow or ice to rush down to my 90 year old aunt's house to attack the sidewalk and steps of her house before she did. 

My aunt Marion was a fiercely independent woman who lived alone and was used to doing things for herself. That included shoveling snow or chopping ice if circumstances warranted it. While I admired her independent spirit, I did not want to take the chance that she would slip and fall. So I would head down to her house, shovel in hand and get to it before she had a chance to. I would endure her watching me and saying, "You shouldn't be doing this." I would just keep shoveling while she protested and be done before she could get to the point of throwing on her own coat and boots.

I would ask any readers out there who have elderly relatives or friends or neighbors to realize what a task clearing snow can be for older people. Grab your kids and some shovels and clear a path for them before they can ask you, because in many cases they WON'T ask. The fresh air and exercise will do everybody good and you may go home tired, but you'll feel great about helping out someone who really needs the help.