I woke earlier than usual. I was shocked to find it only a bit after nine. I can’t remember the last time I had so much morning. so much extra time. I dawdled and had an English muffin and two cups of coffee. The day is pretty and warmish. It might even get to 40°. I have no plans except for a few household chores.

When I was in Ghana, my students wanted to know everything about my home. They would visit after study hours. I’d hear a knock then what sounded like caw, caw. They’d leave their shoes at the front door then come inside. I showed them pictures of my home and family and answered their questions. They wanted to know why I had no children being as old as I was, 22, and why no husband. They wondered how Mary had Jesus but was still a virgin. For that one, I just said it was God’s way. They asked about snow. Their understanding of cold was based on harmattan weather when the nights could get as chilly as the 60’s or 70’s and even colder. My students layered for those cold mornings. I chuckled and enjoyed the cooler morning. I used crushed ice cubes to give them an idea of real cold. I even threw a few snowballs. If they were here for this storm, they would have believed the world was ending.

I still can see in my mind’s eye the house where I grew up. It was on a corner lot so we had a bigger front yard than the other duplexes. Just beyond the steps was a grassy hill. Below the hill was a sidewalk. On it was mailbox and a streetlight pole. Sitting inside by the picture window was my favorite spot when it snowed. I’d watch the snow fall. It was highlighted by the streetlight. The snow would sometimes fall sideways, blown by the wind. There was a fierceness about it. Sometimes large, wet flakes would fall. They took a while to stick to the ground. The smaller flakes fell constantly and quickly covered the ground. I’d keep checking to see how deep the snow was getting. My last check was just before bed. I fell asleep hopeful that the snow was covering everything, that I’d hear the no school fire alarm. Back then, for every kid, snow was a good thing.

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