For weeks, I was anticipating a white, crisp, magical Christmas vacation in the woods of northern Michigan. At the beginning of December, I started monitoring the weather with the zeal and dedication of a climate scientist. I was sure that although the chances for a white Christmas were slim to none in Chicago, northern Michigan wouldn’t let me down.
Even with rain pouring relentlessly and borderline comically on the entire car trip, I still had hope. With vivid memories of last year’s trip, watching our dogs run through foot upon foot of snow as I walked them alone on Christmas morning, I was praying to every deity for a repeat. Anything less would be a complete disappointment.
Surprise! It never snowed. It never even came close to snowing. I’m not even sure it ever went above freezing because I was so angry, I stopped checking.
Christmas morning, I decided to wake up early and take a walk with the dogs, regardless of the weather. Unlike last year, my family joined me. To my surprise, golden sunlight lit up the pine trees and what was left of the disappointing snow. The sight was breathtaking.
Most importantly, however, my family was happy, healthy, and together. No snow or rain could change that. Realizing that nothing matters more than family is somewhat of a cliche, but I often forget this and maybe others do too and we shouldn’t.