And Then, Like Magic

 BUT THEN, LIKE MAGIC

They say change happens right before our eyes. And more often than not, we never see it happen.

For some, waiting for spring after a long, hard winter is tedious to say the least. One day brings sunshine: the next a blizzard. Ice covers the roads and sidewalks. Schools are closed. The wind howls. The temperature goes below zero. Oh, those heating bills.

Then, the ice and snow turn to water flooding the basement. Snow piles turn into mud piles. Grass is scraggly and frozen in place. Shades of browns and greys; heaved roads, dirt and debris; cold winds, tired people still wrapped in scarves and wool hats and mittens all make it appear as if Mother Nature is asleep on the job.

But Then, Like Magic, daffodils show their yellow faces, adding color to the dreariness. Robins come back. Crows squawk. Geese honk. Fields are being plowed. Tulips pop up out of the ground. The scent of lilacs is in the air, and then, more Magic.

One day we go outside, and our hearts are warmed by the sun. Gardens are flourishing. Green grass is being cut. Butterflies are flitting about, and bees are buzzing. Lilies of the valley have blossomed. Buttercups will follow. Kids are outside, playing in sandboxes, riding their bikes, kicking soccer balls and playing baseball and running free without their coats and snowpants, boots, hats and mittens. Picnics are enjoyed. Fish are being caught.

We open windows and let the warm breeze in to push out winter. We have a kick in our step, relishing not having to bundle up or shovel snow or drive through blizzards.

When did all of that change happen? Could it have been when we were moaning and groaning instead of appreciating one season grudgingly, stubbornly saying goodbye while another season was getting the flowers ready and the birds in line and the grass prepared to rid itself of that scraggily look?

We push away those memories of the blizzards and ice storms and the earth trying to melt its way into spring until long summer shadows in late afternoon and geese flying south and leaves turning colors, falling to the ground remind us that change is coming back around as each ticking second nudges its way towards fall, and beyond.

Change is a part of life. Babies are born. Babies grow up and we wonder when that happened. Hairdos change. Fashions change. Beliefs change. Surroundings change. We change. Families change. Policies change. Some changes are good while some are bad.

The trick is to hang on and enjoy the ride and if you live where those long hard winters prevail, keep the snow shovel handy no matter the month.