Footsteps in the Snow

This winter has been so bitterly cold and has had several good storms. The heater in my car is out and I have decided not to fix it because who knows how much longer this poor car is going to last. My commute to work is only about 20 minutes so if I bundle up I can make it without becoming a popsicle. I am so grateful that we have a garage this year and that I don't have to scrap ice for 15 minutes before leaving in the morning. Upon arriving at the office, I usually fill a bottle with hot water from the cooler to warm my fingers enough to type. I remember having to stay late to make some class visits a few Thursdays ago when a big storm came through. It had dumped about 5 or so inches on the ground in the parking lot. From my office window I could see that my car was completely blanketed. I tried not to think about how hard I would have to work to scrape my windows with the car's defrosters not working very well or how long afterwards it would take to warm up again. When at last I had finished all my 'tasks' and class visits, I bundled up and prepared myself for an unpleasant task. I chided myself for wearing a skirt and heels as there was no way to avoid the snowy powder from getting into my shoes. I picked my way carefully across the parking lot following in the large deep footsteps of a previous passerby. These footsteps took me directly to my car door where to my astonishment they stopped. At first I thought I was standing at the wrong car door because there was no ice or snow on any of the windows. I thought it must belong to one of the students who just arrived for class, but then I saw through the window my messy backseat. A feeling of warmth like when one who has been chilled a long time drinks hot chocolate spred through me. I wanted to cry because someone who loved me thought of me and did such a kind thing. I don't know if you stopped on your way home or on your way to your bowling night, but I knew it was you and felt again how lucky I am to have you for my eternal companion. The warm memory of kind and thoughtful service will last through many months of winter.

You Listen

For the past couple of years I have been having the hardest struggles with my job. I dread it. I hate getting up in the morning and going into the office. I feel like I am literally chained to my desk and that no one truly appreciates what I am contributing. The inconsistency of my manager, having to play therapist for my coworkers, and the new "measurements" are taking a huge toll. I live for the weekends. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for your listening ear. You don't try to give me advise about switching jobs because we both understand why I am there and how much longer I have to serve this prison sentence. Thank you for allowing me to vent and show my true feelings. Thank you for giving me encouragement and hope. I'm sorry that nearly every evening conversation we've had in recent months has been about how much my job sucks. It makes me anxious, headachy and often neurotic and I thank you for putting up with me.

Creature Comforts

I love the tender way you treat our "girls." You are patient with them and give them one on one attention. You try not to play favorites and make sure that they each get lap time when you aren't using your laptop. It makes me giggle when you use love and logic tricks on them. You are so good to each of them even when they have been naughty. Thanks for being gentle in your scoldings, keeping their box clean, taking last minute walk-ins at the beauty parlor, and teaching them all about good stuff.