Shannon here: Middle grade author Mary L. Hamilton shares a romantic gesture her husband did for her, plus a chance to win her book, Hear No Evil. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Jan 25 – 28 to enter the drawing. Deadline: Feb 6th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Mary:
A Heart Melting Like Snow by Mary L. Hamilton
When we married, Wayne warned me that since he worked for an oil company, we’d likely be moving frequently. That was fine with me. I’d been in Houston’s warm climate long enough and was ready to get back to four seasons and snow. Gradually, many of our friends in the oil business were transferred and moved away, but year after year the transfer we were hoping for never came. After nine years, we finally accepted the apparent fact that we’d be living in Houston for a long time.
Then one day, Wayne called from work. “Are you sitting down? I have good news. We’re moving—to Chicago!”
Chicago! The best of all possible transfers! Only two hours from my family. Four seasons. And snow!
While living in the Chicago area, my kids grew to love the snow like I did. It was like a giant sandbox–they could play in it all day and still want more. We loved everything about our home. My husband often joked that if we ever had to leave, there’d be claw marks all the way down the highway.
Neither of us realized how prophetic that would be. After only five short years, Wayne accepted a transfer back to Houston. None of us wanted to leave, and I’m ashamed to admit how angry and resentful I grew about having to move back to Houston. Away from snow.
Why did I love snow? Maybe because my birthday is in January, the snowiest month of the year in my home state of Wisconsin. I grew up out in the country where it stays beautifully pristine longer. As a kid, I’d enjoyed sledding, tobogganing, building snow forts and all the other fun things one can do in the snow. In my mind’s eye, I still see the sparkle of snow falling in the glow of an outdoor light that made the chore of washing dishes by hand infinitely more bearable.
I was feeling pretty glum that first year back in Houston. So, when January rolled around, Wayne promised me snow for my birthday.
Snow? In Houston? Yeah, right.
In spite of the fact that the forecast was for a high of 80 that day, I awoke to snow–(paper) snowflakes dangling from the ceiling and sprinkled across the tabletop, floor and counters. My snow boots were propped against the door, winter parka hanging on a chair, gloves peeking from the pockets. Even the windows looked snowy with spray frost decorating the corners and sides.
Who would’ve guessed that snow could melt the coldness in my heart over this transfer? I knew then that, with or without snow, this man would warm my heart no matter where we lived.
About Mary: Award-winning author Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a youth camp in southern Wisconsin, much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series (ages 10-15). Besides writing, she enjoys knitting, reading and being outdoors. Married to her best friend, she and Wayne raised three terrific kids and (still) live in Texas with a rescued Golden Retriever. Learn more and connect:
Mary’s Website Mary’s Facebook Mary’s Pinterest Mary’s Twitter Mary’s Amazon Page
About the book – Hear No Evil: Summer camp is no fun for Brady McCaul. The girl with the cute dimples thinks he’s immature and childish. The camp bully targets him with cruel taunts, and flips Brady’s canoe to keep him from winning the race. But worst of all, his mom won’t let him come home. She doesn’t want him living with her anymore. Brady wonders if even God cares about him. Can Brady figure out what he did to earn Mom’s rejection and change her mind by week’s end? Or will he have to live with his workaholic dad, the guy who left when Brady was seven? All seems lost until a surprising secret changes everything.
Cant wait for the drawing? Purchase now: Hear No Evil
Question for Readers: How do you feel about snow?
Come back Feb 1st for Angela Ruth Strong!
Love this story! What a sweetheart! Give your hubby a hug for me.
I’ll do that, Janetta! Thanks for stopping by!
I have a winner! Bev Baird won the drawing. I appreciate Mary for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.