A Plus Attitudes

I am thankful for all the men in my life who over the years got up at the crack of dawn, after a snowfall, to clean off my driveway and sidewalk to make them passable for me to go about my day. I know this might sound a little sexist but I woke up this morning to more snow. I drive our daughter to school in the morning. We are up at 6 a.m. and out the door by 7 a.m. There was no way I was going to make it up the driveway in my car without first cleaning it off (our driveway is steep ) and there just wasn’t enough time. My sweet husband gave me his car keys(he has “all wheel drive”) and he stayed back to clean off the driveway.

A few days ago my daughter and I took on the task of cleaning off our sidewalk and driveway after the recent big snow storm(side note, my husband and son were at work). Snow shoveling is hard work! It made me truly appreciate all the times the men in my life did the shoveling. It’s so easy to take things for granted until your no longer have that luxury or option. For example, my sister just recently bought a house but still has occupancy of the other house and is responsible for the upkeep until the end of this month. Her area was one of the hardest hit areas from the recent blizzard. It was 7:30pm last night when we were talking. She had stopped at her old place to pick up a few things but realized no one had cleaned off her sidewalk or driveway. She had just finished a long day at the office and had a list of other things to do before her day was over; but she had to clean off her sidewalk and driveway because her house is up for sale. My heart went out for her and I wished I could have been there to offer her a hand. She doesn’t really have the support that I do so she is left doing the shoveling solo.

I think back to all the years my dear sweet father and brothers were outside shoveling snow as I stayed inside warm and cozy. My heart melts with love and appreciation for the kind, gentle men in my life, past and present: dad, my 5 brothers, my husband, my son and anyone else who has stepped in to lend a helping hand out of the kindness of their heart.

So ladies, if your father, husband, boyfriend, brother, significant other has a shovel in hand and is doing the heavy lifting, don’t forget to tell them how much you appreciate them, and if you are willing and able, grab a shovel and help out. It really is hard work and I”m sure they will appreciate your help as well.