Diamond Snow and Depression – How A Bald Eagle Answered My Prayer
Posted on Sunday, February 25th, 2018
A fresh snow fall, pure and glistening, turned into pave diamonds in the bright winter sunlight.
What’s not to love?
It turns out, it can be hard at times.
As many of you know, we moved back North a few years ago and have been enjoying the winter season ever since, for the most part.
Yes, it gets long… really long.
But days like today, with a brilliant blue sky and a clean blanket of sparkling snow are meant to embrace.
However, something went wrong today; and then went right today.
Here’s what happened.
Recently, I have been dreading each and every snow fall, all because of an ice dam.
If you’re not familiar with the snow versus roof battle, here it is in a nutshell:
- Snow piles up on the roof.
- Along the overhang, heat loss in any amount will cause the snow to melt, but not for long; melted snow turns to ice.
- Ice builds up and the melting continues – melting freezing, melting freezing – and an ice dam is formed, holding snow, ice, and water captive on the edges, eventually working its way back into and under the roof, sofits, and siding.
In other words, you’ve got yourself a real mess.
That situation was first and foremost on my mind today as I woke up to yet another foot or so of fresh snow.
The snow was beautiful, and I was not pleased.
I bundled up and ventured out into that sun filled, sparkling day, to grab the roof rake and make a feeble attempt at relieving our beleaguered roof of its burden. I did my best, hoisting that rake up and over as far as I could reach, then pulling mountains of snow down to the ground at my feet. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
When I finished, I didn’t feel a sense of accomplishment because I saw the damage; a portion of the gutter was bending under the weight of the ice. A call to the professionals will have to be made.
So, that’s that, right?
Oh, it would have been, except for one thing – this problem has been building an ice dam of sorts in my mood. I have felt with each snow fall, a damming up of my joy. I could no longer enjoy this beautiful gift of nature, the pure fresh sweetness of new fallen snow.
Time to evaluate.
I knew if I didn’t do something quickly, this feeling of dread would escalate into a full-blown depression. I know the signs. It was time to take action in the simplest, quickest way possible.
Time to take a walk.
Since I was already bundled up, I was ready to move out. As the sun started moving into the western sky, I followed it to the frozen lake.
There I stood, waiting for the beauty of it all to engulf me. I looked west at the setting sun just over the tall pines, then looked east as the moon rose just over the tops of the birch trees, each time imploring Mother Nature to help me find again the peace and joy of a glorious day.
As I turned from east to west, and back again, in an attempt to capture the peace and beauty of being caught in-between the setting sun and the rising moon in a blanket of sparkling snow, it happened:
A bald eagle swooped up over the trees, right in front of me, and proceeded to draw circles in the sky, all along the lake shore.
A gift? An answer to my prayer?
Both.
The moment that bald eagle appeared over the tree tops, I felt the joy that had escaped me. I knew God heard me and sent me a gift. I also knew my Mom was part of this gift, helping me remember how she loved the beauty of nature, and how she once again taught me how to smile, even, or especially, through my tears.
I believe my recovery is well on its way. I completed my walk through the neighborhood, got home and started laundry, and found myself actually whistling a happy tune. It’s good to feel joyful again.
Moving forward.
The next time we are given a gorgeous, sparkling snow fall, I will thank God for the treat, and thank Mom for teaching me how to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to give.
Thank you for reading. I hope your days (no matter the weather) are filled with peace and joy.
With affection,
Patti
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Patti, loved reading your story. I have not seen any snow since 1975 when we moved to Hawaii from Falls Church, VA. I like seeing photos of snowfall, but forgot about things like roofs being damaged.
So happy you got to see an eagle, though.
We loved having Neale and the others here recently. Now 18 members of John’s family are all coming in May. It will be nice to meet a lot of nieces and nephews we have never met before.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Dee
Hi Dee,
Sorry it’s taken so long to reply. I’ve been away from writing for awhile, so glad to be back and find your nice comment!
Winter is coming – you can already feel the ice in the air. But, I’m going to take my own advice and get outside more and enjoy the winter wonderland Mother Nature has provided. I just heard an old northerner’s saying; “There is no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothes.” I have my new boots, so I’m off to a good start!
Yes, Neale had a wonderful time and appreciated your family’s generous hospitality. It sounds like your family is doing well and is ever expanding! I know how much you and John have enjoyed the time you get to spend with them.
Take care of each other, and enjoy all that wonderful Hawaiian weather!
Patti
Lovely post. We’ve had ice dams as well and sure brings out the unpleasant side of winter. Nothing like a fresh snow fall, a walk in the woods and bird sitings to bring you joy. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lisa,
Thank YOU for reading! Yes, as I brace for another winter, I am looking for all the joy I can find. Being grateful for the gifts of Mother Nature will definitely help. Walking will be my salvation, to be sure!
Thanks again!
What an absolute treat to have a post in my inbox this morning! I have missed your ‘voice’.
Here in Georgia, the jonquils are blooming, the grass is green and many of our trees are bursting with their buds. But winter has a nasty habit of biting us one more time and then it is ugly with broken tree branches, no peaches or blueberries and the carnage of a tornado or two.
I wander around my corner of Atlanta amazed at the beauty all the while concerned for my older son who ships off for basic training with the Navy and then to Seal training and for my younger son who has had an awful battle with depression (again!) during his Senior year in college. The battle for the my mood is intense some days.
Hi Sylvia,
I’m sorry to hear of your battles. It’s difficult enough to stay optimistic with your own life, but when you have to worry about your loved ones, it can be unbearable.
I’m glad, though, that you take the time to wander around and appreciate Mother Nature’s gifts. The time spent doing that always pays dividends.
Take care, Sylvia, and thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi Patti,
I was so happy to see your name pop into my inbox! It’s been too long, and the funny things is – I was just thinking about you the other day wondering how life is in Wisconsin.
I also know the heavy feeling of the long days of winter (Northern MN). Inside most of the time, and it can seem like such an effort to get motivated to get outdoors. I wish I could have shared that moment with you and the eagle. Isn’t it funny how something like that can turn a switch inside of us.
I wish you well my friend! We will have to connect again sometime soon.
Thank you, Laurie! It’s been way too long since we chatted. I am happy to see you appear in my comments. I have been away from my blog for awhile so am just now responding. Sorry for the delay.
Winter is upon us again, so I’m following my own advice and trying hard to remember to be grateful for the gifts Mother Nature has given us. All the splendor, even in the snow – maybe especially in the snow!
Thanks again for reading. I never tire of reconnecting, so – yes – let’s reconnect often!
OH Patti I love your wonderful story and how Jennie played a part. It reminds me of Nat’s wedding, outside under the fir trees and as I watch the ceremony all I could think about is I so wished mom could have been there…and then I looked up and an eagle was circling the ceremony!! Hi mom!!?? Perfect.
Love and hugs to you.
ohhhhh… so sweet. Aren’t those gifts just so amazing? Thank you, OSS, for sharing your story. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to respond. I have been away from my blog, but feel it’s time to get back to writing. I’m glad I did just to find your comment.
With winter coming, I know I will need all the strength I can muster. Thankfully, I have Mother Nature and my dear ones (like you!) to boost me up. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It means more than I can say. HUGS! P’Ann