Living in Green Bay, WI, we experience both the beauty and the stark reality of a winter wonderland each year. The sight of icicles hanging from trees is breathtaking. However, driving on sheer ice can also take your breath away—for entirely different reasons.
My first snow experience this year was challenging. It started with a whiteout. The cold wind whipped through, blowing snow everywhere and making it difficult to see even five feet ahead. As the snowflakes hit the warmer road surface, they melted. Then, as the temperature dropped, the roads turned into an ice rink. I faced a big decision: when should I head home?
I waited until 5:30 p.m., thinking there might be less traffic by then. That might have been true—if the roads hadn’t been so slippery. Instead, traffic crawled, and accidents blocked several roads. The roundabouts turned into nightmares; going straight was manageable, but making turns felt nearly impossible. Once I reached the side streets, the drive became a bit easier. My usual 10-minute commute stretched to 30 minutes. But once I finally arrived home in one piece—and without any dents—I could enjoy the peacefulness of the freshly fallen snow.
Life is full of both obstacles and opportunities. It’s the journey that makes life rich, even when that journey is both challenging and rewarding. It’s all about perspective. You can see the beauty of an icicle or feel the stress of navigating an icy road—it’s up to you.
Happy holidays! I encourage you to embrace and enjoy our winter wonderland.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom
