I’ve been through them before. Actually most of my life. As a kid, I loved them. As an adult, not as much, but I still accept, and expect their intrusion on my life. Being born and brought up in the northeast states, they were just another part of the four seasons. Life would have been strange without them.

For the last few days I have been watching yet another weather watch/warning about the approaching storms. I can’t say I was particularly concerned. When you expect something to happen, you are usually better prepared to deal with it. You know the perils and you prepare for them. In the case of power loss, most folks up here (Maine) have a secondary source of heat, i.e. fireplaces with inserts, wood stoves, and/or generators. They also keep a pantry with a variety of non perishable food products, and if you don’t have something, your neighbor probably does.

Well, as expected, the snow in my area started about three yesterday afternoon and continued throughout the night. This morning I was met with about nineteen inches. A little more then forecasted, but definitely not the largest I have confronted. By eight this morning, the sounds of snow blowers and plows permeated the neighborhood. By noon, most driveways were passable, even though chances of snow remained in the forecast for the next twelve hours, And this time, the weathermen were right. Tonight there is maybe another three inches on my driveway, and it is still snowing. Tomorrow morning is destined to be a slimmed down version of this morning. I’m not surprised.

But, I am concerned about this storm, because of its scope. Not for me personally, but because the majority of our nation is under attack. Few states are being spared. States that seldom, if ever, confront severe winter weather are dealing with a very angry Mother Nature. Millions of people, unprepared people, are being inundated with snow, sleet, and loss of power. Many roads impassible. Lives put on hold while survival becomes paramount.

Like most storms, the aftermath is the most distressing and devastating. Lights and heat don’t turn themselves back on because it stopped snowing. Roads remain slippery and dangerous assuming they are once again passable. State resources are tested. Replenishment of basic personal items are unavailable because stores and gas stations are closed. Work crews, many working around the clock are stretched thin. Communications are interrupted.

I did not lose power this time. Tonight I am sitting in a brightly lit, warm home. I have food to eat and can enjoy a hot shower. Tomorrow morning I will crank up the snowblower and remove whatever snow has been deposited on my driveway overnight. I will then continue my life as usual. But I can’t stop thinking about the millions that won’t have it that easy. Their life, as they knew it last week, will not return for quite a while. For me, I am thankful. This storm was just another speed bump. My heart however will be with those that are not as lucky as I. Please keep them in your prayers.