Snow days mean different things to different people. My dad always heard the cancellations first thing in the morning while doing the 4am milking. Staying home usually meant he would put us to work as there was always something that had to be done on the farm. However we did get to sleep in a little late.
As we get older and go to work snow days only mean a horrible drive into work as we all had to go anyways regardless of the weather. I even went to far as to drive to Farmington from Ellington in a blizzard. It never occurred to me that work would actually close. I got there only to turn around and drive home.
After marriage and having kids snow days take on a whole new meaning. Who is going to cover child care for the day? Many parents do not have the opportunity to work from home. My husband and I used to switch off who would stay home and who would go to work. We did this for when they were sick as well. Since I had been at my employers for more than a dozen years I was able to work from home. On the really horrible days I simply stated that I could either work from home or take a vacation day. I had plenty of time built up at that time. I always felt bad when my kids wanted me to stop what I was doing and go out and play. Work was extremely demanding and I could not take breaks. I was lucky enough that my kids were able to keep themselves amused and occupied by themselves. I was the one missing out. My answer was always “Mommy has to work and can’t right now”. I would look at their sad little faces and feel the ping of guilt.
Then a few years ago I was laid off from my job of fifteen years. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. I had over half years severance coming so that was my breathing room. It was Halloween and winter was rapidly coming upon us. I certainly miss many of the people and the paycheck but now being at home for when the boys get home, helping them with homework and being able to be here when needed without juggling schedules is priceless. Needless to say the first snowfall that winter when the kids asked if I could help them build a snowman my response was, “Absolutely”!
Harrigan Tales 