I Never Thought About It That Way

There I was, driving. It was cold and windy—the first accumulative snow fall of the year, a blizzard if you will. I sat in the driver's seat with a smile on my face. You see, I have been longing for the temperature to finally fall, get cold and start snowing for weeks now. I watched the weather channel as if it was the only thing on television. I cringed at the 14 day forecast, which predicted 9 degrees centigrade in late November. I could barely hold back the anger when I heard others commenting on how beautiful it was.

Beautiful? To whom? Not me, that was for sure. I woke up this morning and saw the forecast: a bright red screen with warnings for Saskatchewan. We could expect ten, maybe twenty and if I was so very lucky, 30 centimetres of snow was to fall in the next day or two.

I was filled with joyful emotion, I woke up my wife from her warm slumber just to tell her it was going to be—in most others opinions—a terrible day outside. She said You woke me up for this? then cringed and fell back to sleep.

I tried to contain myself. I tried to stop looking out the window. I tried to stop opening the door for a peek. I tried, I really did. But, it was all a losing battle for me. I just had to be out there. I had to take the storm in.

I really couldn't understand why anyone would consider this joyful white day anything but great. I opened the garage and started my car. I started to back out and a smile—a huge smile—streamed across my face. You could say I was in heaven.

I came out of my condo's parking lot, and headed out into this new-found white wonderland. I saw people brushing off their cars, people getting stuck, people shoveling. Truly wonderful. I had to try hard to contain myself as I whipped around a corner, and went into a nice slide. Could anything be better than this, I thought?

Well, in one word yes!

I caught you, didn't I? You never expected that answer, and honestly, I never expected that I would say it either. Let me explain a little. While I was taking in the sights, aside from the wonderful Canadian winter landscape, I started to notice a few other, not so great things. At the time, these things did little to affect me, but as the day wore on I couldn't get what I saw out of my head.

So, what did I see? It was hardship. Anger. And frustration among other sad feelings I have trouble finding words to describe. I saw an elderly gentleman, pushing his snow logged bike up a steep icy hill. At the time I thought to myself, Get out of the way old man, and kept on driving. Nothing was going to ruin this day for me.

I then saw two people involved in an accident that looked like more than a minor fender bender, but I just shook my head and thought people should learn to drive. Once again I carried on with my travels, and thought to myself Nothing is possibly going to interfere with my mood. Today is my day.

As I did a lap of the city, I saw people slipping and falling on the icy sidewalks. I just laughed. Other people's hardships are always funny, aren't they? I saw people rear end each other. I chuckled. I saw a woman pushing a baby carriage in deep snow, obviously struggling to keep her balance, but every time, I just kept driving.

Not once did the thought of offering a little help ever cross my mind. I have been through many Saskatchewan winters, and every year it's the same. People are always getting into accidents, slipping and falling on the ice and struggling just to make it through the bitterly cold day.

And not once have I ever lent a hand. Around 1:00am I took some time to reflect. I sat and thought, and thought, and thought. I was sure there was something I had done for someone. Nope. I could not think of a single thing. I couldn't believe it, here I was on cloud nine and now I was simply disgusted with myself.

I am able, I am fit, I even have a reliable mode of transportation. Not once did I help my fellow people out today. At times their struggles made me mad, made me feel as if they were hampering me in some way, never once thinking it was me that was hindering them. I sit here thinking about tomorrow, and how it's going to bring another 15 centimetres of glorious snow my way. I think to myself Will I be able to use these thoughts in a productive manner, and lend a hand to some stranded people tomorrow?

Then I notice the stack of bills on my desk that have to be paid. The car needs an oil change and the fridge is kind of empty so I have to stop at the grocery store. It looks like my good deeds will have to wait for now. I'm busy tomorrow.

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