Minnesota Prairie Roots

SNOW IS FALLING lightly in Faribault, covering the grass, sidewalks and roads with a veil of white.

Up until a few minutes ago, I was not all that pleased with winter’s definitive arrival.

But then I saw something that transformed my dismal attitude. Across the street, a child, snuggled inside a snowsuit in the palest of pink and accented with a rose-colored scarf and mittens, laid down on the sidewalk.

This little girl looked upward as snow drifted gently from the heavens. Then she moved her legs and arms swiftly back and forth, back and forth.

Although I could not see her creation, I knew this cherub had left her angelic imprint upon the freshly-fallen snow.

In that moment, I welcomed winter with the heart of a child.

© Copyright 2009 Audrey Kletscher Helbling