Today we are getting our first big storm of the season. The office was closed so I'm at home enjoying a day when not much needs to get done. Listening to opera and watching the snow fall from the warmth of my living room. It's coming down sideways outside.
Snow falling makes me both happy and sad. And, I suspect there are many others feeling the same way today.
I'm thinking of Luis who is out there shoveling snow today. He went to work at 8:30 a.m. and probably won't be back until the snow stops at around 11 tonight. That's one hell of a long day. And even longer when you're feeling the snow hit your face, the cold penetrate your clothing and your feet are cold and wet. The winter for immigrants here is bittersweet. Or, sweetly bitter. They long for the snow to fall because this brings the possibility of work. The phone rings with people calling Luis to see if he knows anyone who needs workers to shovel or plow. There's hope in the air of some income for the family. It might be the first time someone's worked since September or November when those working at local tobacco farms get laid off. When the weather report announces snow people start hoping and feeling relief that maybe they'll be able to pay their bills. But, imagine spending ten hours outside in the snow when you are used to living in a tropical climate where the temperatures stay so high that you don't really need warm water to shower in.
So, today is both a happy day and a sad day. Stay warm, my friends, and hopefully you'll get some sleep tomorrow.
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