1/29/14 - Snow and Other Unexpected Gifts

We've had an interesting few days in Atlanta.  A combination of snow that quickly turned to ice, a city not prepared for winter weather, and businesses and schools all dismissing at the same time created a traffic nightmare.  Fortunately, the kids and I got home safely and our longer-than-usual commutes were nothing compared to people stranded for up to 24 hours on impassable roads in freezing weather. I practically cried from relief once the kids and I arrived home separately to our nice warm house...until our daughter pegged me with a snowball as I got out of the car!

Then, a 75-pound box arrived.  Really.  Once the kids and I lifted (ok, dragged) it into the house, we found quite a surprise.  Myles's former colleagues at Two Degrees/Slalom Consulting sent us a gigantic care package with a note saying they hoped these six large bags of groceries, household items, chocolates, and even a bottle of wine, would be helpful to us during this crazy time. What a thoughtful, unexpected gift!

With the roads impassable, we couldn't get back to hospice last night.  Even though Myles said he was fine on his own and I know he's well cared for, it was hard.  Then along came another gift.  The kids' wonderful orthodontist, Dr. Mary Lynn Crews, and her husband, Chris, who attended high school with Myles, live near hospice and offered to walk through the snow to visit Myles.  It was such a relief to know someone could be with Myles for a visit before he went to sleep for the night.

Today, the kids and I stayed in the house due to the iced-over roads in our neighborhood. One of Myles's two amazing childhood friends who visit him almost every day (and many nights), walked almost 4 miles from his house to hospice to spend the afternoon with Myles.  Myles dozed through most of the visit, but I know it helped him to have Danny there. A big thank you to Danny, and possibly an even bigger thank you to his wife who was snowed in alone today with four young children!

All of you - Myles's friends, family, running crew, former colleagues, and blog readers - remind me every day how much we have to be grateful for.  The kids and I can't wait to see Myles tomorrow as the temperature rises and the ice melts.  Be safe, everyone!

- Marcie