Snowblowers

I am in Littleton Colorado. I am looking out the window at a beautiful view of the mountains. I stopped by my cousins house to see if I could help her, she is moving. She is part of the reason for this latest journey.

I used her fancy snow blower to clear the driveway of 18 inches of snow, I am surrounded by moving boxes and years of accumulation. She is in the middle of packing and sorting and trying to move. The snow delays have moved her plans back a few days. The moving pods can’t get through the snow and some of her neighbors are still digging out with snow blowers and shovels. I got stuck as I pulled onto her street. I was fortunate not to get stuck earlier in all the mess of the city. I saw squadrons of trucks following one another, clearing the streets. Those that live on the main streets find all their work undone when these trucks pass by a driveway.

It reminded me of my years in Kansas and the deep snow. I lived in the country and my driveway was long. My house was a football field away from the main road. When it snowed I spent half a day clearing the snow from my private drive. I didn’t mind most of the time. Snow is really beautiful when you don’t have to be out in it. The quiet stillness of new snow is like a new born baby. Soft and gentle and so beautiful to see. The reality hits when you have to get the shovel out and sweat. The drifts can get 6 feet or more. With a little bit of wind that driveway can cover in minutes.

In 1995, I was living in Manti Utah. It was May, the trees were leafing out and the temperatures were comfortably warm. It seemed the perfect day for a drive in the mountains. I had my newborn son with us on what I thought would be a pleasant drive. Everything went fine until we got to the top and headed North on Skyline drive. There was a little bit of snow on the side of the road but I was determined to make the drive anyway. My goal was to drive to Fairview canyon along skyline drive. The road became increasing wet and muddy. As I came down a steep hill and saw the hole in front of me, I knew I had  reached the point of no return. Somehow I got past that hole but I knew I couldn’t turn around and go back. 

We hadn’t seen any other traffic and I was a little bit worried as the snow began to get deeper on the side of the road. I only had two wheel drive and even though that Suburban was a tank, it couldn’t manage the deep snow. I high centered on the snow and there we sat with a newborn baby on top of the world. I was a little bit panicky and wondered what I was going to do. My wife and I looked at each other and both of us immediately said a silent prayer.

I should have known better than to worry. I have some awesome guardian angels. 

It was only five minutes.

A jeep came toward us and ask us if we needed help. It was obvious, but he was being courteous. He pulled out a cable and pulled our Suburban through the last 50 feet of snow. He told us the road was clear the rest of the way. We thanked him, and thanked our angels.

Since that time I have tried to avoid situations where I might get stuck and have been careful to listen to my inner voice for guidance. 

Today I got stuck. I only had 50 feet to go, but my truck was just too light to get traction. 

I used a fancy snowblower get me out. I gave another silent prayer to thank my guardians once again for their amazing help.

I haven't been the easiest person to watch over.

I have always taken the road less traveled and to me ... it has made all the difference.