By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
The top headline during every national newscast throughout this Winter has undoubtedly been the weather. Every state in our nation (including Florida’s panhandle) has been affected by an inundation of snow with hundreds of thousands of families losing power, school days and work hours. A recent posting on my Facebook newsfeed gave me pause….and gave an exhausted and refreshing look at what winter has been like for one of my friends in New Jersey, Linda Fedor.
“When I first bundled up to get started on the shoveling after cleaning the house, I was feeling defeated and tired. I have no snow blower, so shoveling the heavy snow was already taking a toll on my neck and shoulders as I tried to throw it out of the way. No one was outside, so there was a stillness and quiet in the air. As I shoveled, a million thoughts ran through my mind. I thought about my life and how weak I felt, not only physically but emotionally….and then I started to think about how at least I had a job and they were kind enough to tell us not to come in today, and how, at the tender age of 29 – give or take a few decades – I was still able to shovel the snow and how, despite the crazy life they’ve had to endure, I have raised two amazing young adults who never cease to surpass my wildest expectations and how blessed I am to not only have them, but to still have both my parents in my life. And I was also reminded of how lucky I am to be surrounded by family and so many caring friends who have come to mean even more to me than they did before. And I grew stronger. With each shovel I felt more and more empowered! The snow was little match for all I have and my path was cleared in no time! So as I rest my sore body, I just want to thank all of you for being who you are, for allowing me to be a part of your life and to say ‘Bring on the snow!'”
After asking her permission to share her viewpoint with us “southerners” in the Spectator, Linda added, “After I posted this, I’ve had an amazing outpouring of love and support! While my intent was to let others know how important they are and how much they mean to me, they unselfishly continued to support me with their words of encouragement. We all have things in life that can disappoint and discourage us, but we also have so much to be grateful for! The snow helped me to remember that.”
Despite the tropical “paradise” we live in, it’s certain that all of us deal with some “snow” in our lives in the form of broken relationships, challenging children, loss of a loved one, financial hardship or a period of emotional strife. Like Linda, keep moving forward and know that with the love and support of family, friends and faith, the snow soon will melt and give way to the new awakenings of Spring and all that it holds for you.