Snow Day with Dad

On February 2, 2011 we had a snow storm. The biggest of the season here in our little corner of the mitten. Before leaving the night before my co-worker and I looked at our workload and found it to be a somewhat quiet day. Due to the storm, some people had gotten their projects in early. Others knew they either had to move up their deadline or face getting their project back late.

Between the two of us and our supervisor, we decided that I should plan on not working that day. Who knew when I would be able to get out of the driveway anyway.

The next morning found my dad and myself out dealing with the snow. Dad ran the snow blower. I handled clean up work with the shovel. Less than 2 hours later we were sitting back inside. Our double driveway was clean, the porch had been cleaned off for the mailman and the sidewalk in front of our house had been blown open before the city crew arrived. At one point I looked up and found my dad at our neighbor's yard. He knew that they had suffered some health issues in the past year and wanted to help them out.

My first reaction was "Dad – you're 87 years old. You can't help everyone." Then after shaking my head, I beamed with pride. I am so proud to be my father's daughter. I am proud that even though he isn't in the best of health, he goes out of his way to help others.

A short time later our neighbor came out of her house. She had taken her husband to a doctor's appointment in Ann Arbor the day before and they admitted him to the hospital. She had driven home in the blizzard the night before to take care of their dogs. Exhausted from a night of restless sleep, she was relieved to look out and see that she could get out of her driveway if her husband needed her.

I know if the tables were turned and they were able, our neighbors would be there to help us out.

And then, it was time to go inside and rest a bit.

Before I knew it Dad was back outside.

This time it was for the squirrels and birds. He had made a path to their feeding area in our backyard when we were out earlier. Even though they had filled up the day before – it was time to feed them. He knew that they would have a hard time finding any food for the day.

After he came in it didn't take long for the squirrels and birds to start showing up. He even went out later in the day and refilled it for those who hadn't had their fill. After all, it could be a long night if they didn't have a full tummy.

Yup. I'm proud to be my father's daughter. I hope I grow up to be just like him someday.