Yesterday, I made the long and arduous journey from Wheatland, Wyoming to south Denver, so that I could spend Thanksgiving with my two oldest daughters, grandchildren, and great granddaughters. The wind between here and Cheyenne is something to be reckoned with. Sustained winds of 40+ MPH and gusts upwards of 65 MPH makes driving into a workout for my arms. I had to grip the steering wheel so hard that the arthritis in my hands began to flare up. Today even my neck and arms are sore. Newer vehicles, driven by younger people with better eyesight, flew past me, seemingly oblivious to the conditions.
The highway was closed to lighter, high profile vehicles. I had to wonder what constitutes “light” in this circumstance. I know that I was incredibly grateful to have made it to Denver and back again in one piece. On my way there, I stopped at the Cheyenne welcome center to use the facilities. My hands had become too warm while I was driving and I managed to remove my gloves, placing them in my lap for the time being because I couldn’t take my hands off the steering wheel. I told myself that I should put them in a safe place before getting out of my truck so that they wouldn’t fall out and become lost. Of course, I forgot. After I returned from the restroom, I saw one glove lying on the ground next to my truck. I could not find the other one. I was quite angry with myself since the gloves were brand new, cashmere lined leather – warm and good for gripping the steering wheel. Then, as I began to back out from my parking space, I saw the wind pick up the other glove and begin to carry it down the steep grassy hill. I jumped out and ran after it – not an easy thing to do for someone my age, in clogs. I was able to get to the glove before the wind could snatch it away again, from where it lay halfway down the hill.
Was this luck? Perhaps it was good luck or perhaps I have a guardian angel who looks after me. Whatever the reason, I am grateful. It is the small things. It is the little, everyday miracles that keep me rooted in presence and fill my heart with gratitude.
