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.