Christmas Snow

Snow on Christmas Eve, originally uploaded by tmcpics.

Having grown up in Texas, I think it is safe to say I never expected to experience a "white Christmas."

I certainly didn't expect anything miraculously wonderful to come out of this Christmas, having just lost my grandmother only a few months before. Christmas approached and rather than feeling happiness or excitement, I was suffering from a deepening sadness. Christmas would come and go, gifts would be unwrapped, the family would get together, and whatever happiness that day brought, I predicted it would be fleeting and hollow. What is that saying... "Things happen when you least expect them"?

On Christmas Eve, we woke up to snow flakes. Little ones that melted as soon as they hit the ground. I didn't give much stock to their presence. We loaded up the car and started towards our Christmas destination. Only, the snow didn't stop. It got heavier and heavier until the ground was covered. Everything was white as far as the eye could see. The car was barely moving. Two hours later as our trip drew to an end, I was filled with... excitement. I felt like a child experiencing something brand new as we tromped through several inches of snow the night before Christmas.

I had known for months that Christmas would not be the same. We would do the same old things that used to bring comfort and warmth, but it would seem strange knowing she was gone. What I did not expect was to wake up and find a totally new Christmas. A new environment, a new experience, maybe a new beginning... I've never been quite that optimistic so it feels like a stretch. But I will recognize that there was something powerful and renewing about the whole situation.

This picture was taken only a minute after we arrived. My husband and I flew out of the car and into the snow immediately. I know the picture isn't great, but if one snapshot could capture that moment in time forever... I think this is it.