Snow

The boys approached the snow with awe and wonder. Their joy lifted my heart in way that it hadn't been lifted in months. The long gray winter had been depressing, with the snow on the city streets turning black as soon as it fell, with little to no sunlight to penetrate the bleak skyline.

My seventeenth year in this cold, dark city. Seventeen years of growing up here and there's no love in my heart for this place. I long to be just about anywhere but here.

The boys laughter cut through my self pitying and I run to catch up with them as they go down the huge hill again. At least they're enjoying themselves, and the sun was shining through for a few hours today.

Derek and Daniel took a flying run and hopped into the sled in a single motion, all their growing awkwardness gone as they worked in tandem to go faster and farther down the hill then before. Their red hats bouncing down, the orange sled flying through the air with every bump, and their screams of joy as they went flying were a sight to behold.

We had a good afternoon and the boys didn't want the fun to end but soon it was time to go home and warm up. I pulled them in their sled when I could on the way home, and we laughed together. As we opened the door, flinging wet clothes towards the radiator, we were welcomed by the sweet scent of hot chocolate.

As we sipped our drinks, the boys retold each and every sledding moment, interrupting each other and jockeying for the best part of the tales they told. Finally it felt as though the true sparkle and crispness that I've always enjoyed during the winter season was able to cut through the darkness.

Children's laughter and rosy cheeks, a bright sunny winter's day and a warm cuppa, they are the miracles that can lift any gloominess.