after yet another unique and powerful winter storm
with lots and lots and lots of
heavy, wet, beautiful, pure white snow
i woke up early to a power outage
spending my morning in the library
with coffee, power bars, and locals
powering up, reading, talking, and writing
watching as a lovely grandmother
kneels down to her young grandson’s level
as she very patiently and quietly
teaches him and then lets him
check out each of his very own books
one by one
gently guiding him as he goes
only when he needs it
when he proudly finishes his work
he loads each into his own little backpack
she helps him
put on each woolen mitten and zips up his coat
he holds onto her leg as she slowly stands
they very naturally cradle their hands together
as they make their way out of the library
back out into the world with beautiful white snow
what a simple yet powerful act of love
that warms me
more than this comfortable and welcoming building ever will
it’s always the people within who do that.
—
“if a family has an old person in it, it possesses a jewel.”
-chinese proverb
A timeless moment indeed, Beth. I like that proverb, and will be telling it to my step-children! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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make sure you do -)
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A most wise and beautiful Chinese proverb, and a lovely post.
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thank you –
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You’re welcome.
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Beautifully observed, Beth
~David
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thank you so much –
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Library snow bunnies … your lovely story warmed my heart Beth, even though it was a warm 85’F here today …
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jealous…thank you, Ivor
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Thank goodness you had the library, and what a lovely story you’ve shared with us.
I hope your power is back on.
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it is indeed, and thank you so much
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You’re welcome. Good news!
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Oh I love how you’ve told this beautiful incident
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thank you so much, sadje
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You’re most welcome
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Thank you for sharing this. Everything about it moves me in a way I can’t describe.
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❤
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I love your storytelling. Without flourish or fanfare, you create a scene so real and inviting that the reader cannot help but be drawn into it. Great post, my friend! Hope the power is back on soon.
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thanks, brad and indeed, it has returned
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A lovely post, Beth. Soul-nourishing. Thanks for sharing it. The proofreader in me thought you might want to add “do” to the last sentence, which currently reads “It’s always the people within who that.” Or not? Maybe nobody else will notice.
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ooh, yes! thank you so much
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What a sweet vignette of mother and child . I could visualize everything you said. Sweet!
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thanks, joy –
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You’re welcome!
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Wow! How precious!
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it was so very sweet
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Comfort is universal and so is love.
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truth
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Love this, especially the proverb,
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thank you, Bernadette
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This was just so beautiful, Beth. It brought a tear to my eye. What a wonderful share.
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thank you so much
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💞
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Stories found within the library most surely can warm our hearts when told through your eyes, Beth.
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as you know, firsthand, mark, from having been one of those special library people who welcome the community in
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Not sure my family will ever consider me a jewel unless it’s a diamond in the rough. Sounds like a lovely morning.
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I’ll bet they will and make sure to leave the proverb around the house to remind them
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Ha ha. I should make it into a huge poster.
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Yes!
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Beautifully observed and written and the proverb is a jewel too!
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thank you, and I agree about the proverb
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I have never seen that though I frequent the library. What a neat morning though I am glad Illinois is missing the snow.
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I’m sure those moments happen all the time, I was just lucky enough to be there
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ah. nice.
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you
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Several moments, captured nicely. We’re all in the process of becoming jewels. Some are closer than others.
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Same –
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How awesome that you witnessed this.
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I felt so lucky
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Delightful, I felt I was looking on!
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I’m so glad
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Be Prepared! I would say “Thank goodness for snow.” And grandmothers always know best.
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They do!
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Written with such love. I felt I was right there with you, watching that grandmother and grandson.
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I’m so glad
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Lovely, Beth. ❤
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Thank you so much
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What a beautiful moment you captured so wonderfully.
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I felt so lucky to see it unfold
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I understand 😊
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❤
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❤️
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Your blog is such a lovely addition to my life. This morning, I needed the comforting of these gentle thoughts. Thank you.
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Thank you so much
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I love that chinese proverb. How true.
Keep safe in these storms.
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Me too and thank you
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This is very lovely. ❤️
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Thank you so much
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Well observed special moments.
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Thank you
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Small acts of love are never small.❤️
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That’s right
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Beth I love your beautiful words it definitely caught my attention.
Thanks Anita
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thanks so much, Anita
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a lovely, heartwarming post, Beth , these little acts of love 🙂
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thank you –
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A wonderful image in the library. Thank you!
I always say to my N, I miss the days of going to the library. Oh, I still go, but it’s to pick up or drop off. Everything is set up on line.
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thanks, resa. here, the libraries have really taken on the role of an important place for the community in many ways
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It’s a good thing!
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What a beautiful moment to witness. I can’t imagine a better place to be than the library during a power outage.
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It was the perfect place
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Yes! 😍
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Living in (and paying attention) to the moment has great rewards as you note here.
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Yes
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Agreed. Oh, I envy you the snow and the quiet library moments. It’s exactly what I need after what has been a snowless winter her in Virginia.
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the weather is messed up all over, nothing like a normal course of a year
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Aaawww so sweet
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❤️
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I enjoyed your posting. Reminds me of my childhood. I felt as if I’m there watching. Such a beautiful story. Thank you.
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my pleasure
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The imagery here makes me feel like I’m right there.
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thank you so much
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