Snow is an opportunity to help others, and have fun

I woke this morning to the thickest blanket of snow outside the bedroom window I’ve seen in years, and it continues as I write this to come down heavy. Does snow affect broadband? I can’t see why but we normally get speeds in the highly variable 8Mb-24Mb range and right now the Web is crawling like I’ve jacked in an old 56k modem. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence.

I’m going to have to get outside, wrapped in many layers, and get some clearing done if I’m going to have any hope of letting the chickens out, and checking they’ve all survived the night. They should, fingers crossed, be okay. I recall reading somewhere that they can survive sub-zero temperatures far in excess of the worst a British winter can ever conjure up. At least in modern times. But then, we live in the 21st Century and so who’s to say what records are waiting to be broken this year, next year, or in years to come, thanks to climate change?

Snow brings forth a Neil Armstrong-like urge to plant a flag in virgin territory. This isn’t the Moon of course, but the thick crust of blinding white upon the Earth makes everything suddenly unfamiliar, alien and bizarre. The desolation is beautiful but also challenging, and scary—I’m thinking specifically about what this weather means for a great many old and vulnerable people who are stuck indoors, unable to venture out for fear of falling and hurting themselves.

If you know such people near to where you live, and can check to see if they’re okay, please do. If you’re able, offer to clear a path for them or get some shopping in. Make sure they are warm and have basic supplies. Such kindness may be rebuffed, but what does that matter? You’re a grown-up, you can deal with rejection of good intentions in an age when people fear robbery and worse. It’s more likely though that your help will be warmly welcomed, or at least bring forth unexpected smiles and a “thank you so much but we’re okay”.

We all need to learn how to look after each other again, those among us especially who have grown up with no concept of real community. Snow is just one opportunity among many that present themselves to us to show others we can and do care. And then there are snowballs, snowmen and sledges. Snow is magic. Snow is fun. Most of all, if we get snow at Christmas for the first time in decades it might just defeat the morose if understandable gloom hanging over the nation and usher in some late-to-the-party festive cheer. Or it could all be gone within days, just like life itself—something to be enjoyed to the full, because nothing lasts forever and that’s a good thing.

Go outside. Make some happy memories. You can phone the boss and tell the truth for once as to why you’re not coming in. If you have kids, they likely won’t be going to school today so cherish the rare gift of extra time together as a family. Don’t be grim. Be happy, and make other people happy.

Put on those daft and colourful bobble hats, chunky jumpers and thick scarves. Feel the biting chill on your nose and cheeks and glory in the brilliance of life. And blessed be.