Tonight was a primitive night. No electricity and therefore no water, heat, refrigerator or anything electrical. I came home at 6:45 pm to realize this for the first time. Evidently I was told but it didn’t register, and the busyness of work consumed my day. My wife was cuddled up in the bed shivering and the kids were flying off the wall. The house was a wreck and Tara was too. I didn’t win the husband of the year award.
The day was messed up from the beginning. I woke up at 5 am to a bunch of snow and an instant headache. Tara cancelled her scheduled appointments at Mayo because we got stuck in our cul de sac…twice. Tara said I should just enjoyed some time at home with the family, but instead I was mad and stressed. I was receiving calls already from customers with trees and limbs down and the fact that I could not get out of my driveway infuriated me.
There are very few times that an arborist is a first responder and the critical help that someone needs. But storm time is that time. So if we can’t be there at that time, what good are we. We did not want the extra work and it will test my ability to balance home and work more than ever.
Tomorrow is Tara’s chemo and appointment with the Oncologist. She is still not feeling the best, as is becoming the norm. Each week we hope for a solution for it, but there is typically something said that implies we just have to expect this and tough it out. Well, she has been, and will continue if she has to. A solution would still be nice.
I would probably look around and see blessings if I felt like it. I just don’t. All I see is that freakin snow. I hope when I wake up, I realize this was all just a nightmare. Today snow got me stuck 4 times total. Snow made our electricity go out for 12 hours so far. Snow made me work extra and will overwork me for the next week or more. Snow made us miss our appointments. And to think in 5 months we’ll be planning for more of it.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Hahahahaha…..I know I should not be laughing but I was…..I guess because I saw myself in your writing. Yesterday was the ONE day that I needed to be in Winona. Of course, unlike you I saw the error of my ways and did not attempt it, but it means I need to be there today when Friday is my day off…..so I was mad all day. Our electricity came on at about 5:30pm last night and I am counting my blessings. I am sorry that you guys are still (more than likely) enduring. It is no fun! Neil is now moving that snow so I can get out of our driveway. So, I have nothing to complain about!
I wish you both the very best today, Jay. Give Tara an extra hug for me….. She is strong. Take care……God’s got this!
Sometimes those burdens just get too heavy, don’t they? As unhappy as I was with the snow (I hived bees last week and I hope they survive this cold spell), I can see that your snow day, well….it sounds like it quite frankly sucked. As I’m sure Tara’s day did as well.
I have nothing to offer you but my prayers. I will continue to pray for burdens to be lightened, for Tara to feel better and a solution found, for the snow if GO (and stay) AWAY, and for you to rest in Him. 60’s by Monday – can we find hope in this?
Psalm 13
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
I do have a strong, hardworking teen who’d be a great apprentice if you need an extra hand at work. He’s good at loading wood. 🙂
Oh, so sorry! When it rains, it pours, huh? : (
Guess it’s understandable why Job’s wife advised him to curse God and die….not advisable, but understandable.
Feeling your frustration, and wishing to somehow lighten the load.
Becca Murray
This snow is a struggle for everyone. Putting a positive spin on it is hard, especially when the pressures of what’s really more important are so present in your life.
I greatly appreciate your honesty. This experience for you is so real, and the witnessing you’re doing is so raw. Thank you for pouring out your unfiltered words, and for letting us into your life. God is truly using you and this experience for his glory.
Dear Jay,
I am sorry you hate snow so much, since you live in Minnesota! I am also sorry you give yourself such a hard time. According to someone in the know, your kids were just excited to see you.
Your wife is the sweetest, cup half full kind if girl. When I asked her about having no heat yesterday, she mentioned the two working fireplaces and the fact that she always cold anyways! Love her attitude!
One day at a time, Jay! Lifting you and Tara up in prayer.