More Snow, More Brrr - ChicaCOLD!

Growing up on the NW side of Chicago, I took great pride in "weathering the elements" by bundling up in layers, braving the icy blasts, trudging through mounds of snow and waiting for CTA buses and L trains.  Heck, I took two buses and an L train just to get to Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, as did my dear Dad who worked there for the Jesuits.  After all - we were strong, capable, solid.  Right?

Well, yes - it seemed easy for me because I was YOUNG.  Knowing how I feel now when I'm running from place to place, from the car to stores, to church, etc., I stop to think of my folks.  They lived in Chicago most of their lives. Spent many days putting up with the cold, snow, Arctic blasts, Polar vortex, etc.  Not to mention some terribly hot, humid summers without air conditioning.  (Those days they slept out on the back porch or out on blankets by the Humboldt Park lagoon.  Can you imagine?)

Oddly though, I rarely heard them complain about the weather.  For them, it was how we lived.  My Mom used to remind me of Doris Day's song: "Que sera, sera" (What will be, will be).  

I am certainly not as stoic as my folks were, although I'd like to be.  Their example in dealing with the elements provided a sense of rightness and stability which flowed over into their beliefs.  Simple, strong, compassionate and most especially, sensible.

The good news is - I think we're all "getting there" this winter.  Of course, by the time we arrive at "Okay, we got this!" - it will probably be summer and we'll have to adjust - again.  In the mean time, stay warm, take care and let's continue to help others this winter.  Because "what will be, will be."