When is a storm more than a storm?

This past week, here in the Heartland and Midwest, we were hit hard by the “Blizzard 0f 2011”.  We had been hearing about it for about three days before its arrival.  I was skeptical.  So many times in the past, whenever we receive advanced warning of impending weather doom, it never materialized. Those previous false alarms resulted in both excitement and disappointment.  Excitement from me–no snow to shovel,  and disappointment from the kids–no snow day.

Last week was a bit different.  I spoke like a skeptic, but wished for the snow.  After all, don’t adults “deserve” an occasional snow day?  The storm developed and produced exactly like the National Weather Service  predicted. We received a ton of snow.  Because of the high winds and blowing snow, the exact total was hard to determine.  I heard reports of 13 to 16 inches.

If there is a “banana belt” in Kansas, I live there.  We rarely receive large amounts of snow, and that is fine with me. Growing up in Chicagoland, I had my share of heavy snowstorms.  I was about five when the “snowstorm of ’67” dumped tons of snow there.  I remember stories of digging tunnels and jumping off single story houses into snow drifts, etc.  As a child, lots of snow was awesome! As an adult, not so much!

Reflecting on these events, I saw how perspective changes things.   13-16 inches of snow as a child equals  fun.  13 to 16 inches of snow while on the ski slopes equals lots of fun.  13 to 16 inches of snow in the middle of a work week means missed opportunity to treat patients.  With the right perspective, I realize 13 to 16 inches of snow last week meant 4 snow days for the kids, 2 snow days for mom and dad AND LOTS of time together.  That is the best kind of snow day!!

If you were blessed with wintery weather last week, I hope you had fun during your snow days. If you did not get a snow day,  I encourage you to take time and put life in proper perspective.  Have a little fun from time to time.  You can do it.  After all you were able to as a child, why not now?.

If your appointment at our office was affected by the “Blizzard of 2011”  my talented team is working hard to find another time to see you. (Snow days for them mean many days of rescheduling patients.)  If you have a dental question or concern, feel free to contact us online, or by phone at (620) 231-6070. You can also find us on facebook or twitter.