Mari Broman's "The Column"

Spring and new beginnings

This time of year can be so exciting as the snow is melting. The sun shines more, and the days start to get a tad bit longer. We all welcome and hope for the beauty of spring on the horizon. It seems to offer much brighter sunshine, fresher air and a glimmer of color with flower bulbs popping thru the ground. We anticipate new bouquets being displayed in our gardens and on our tables.  With all these signals I am reminded of a spring day that may have offered new beginnings.

When I was about 6 yrs. old my little brother and I were outdoors playing. The snow was melting fast and we knew to be careful if we walked along the ditch. The water in the ditch was filling quickly from the melting snow banks on either side. As we were walking along side the ditch within a few seconds my little brother slipped and fell in the water and was floating toward the driveway pipe. I was very afraid as I was trying to reach him myself but couldn't. I screamed to him to grab the sides of the ditch where the grass was exposed and hang on tight. I was going to run to the house which was about 100 feet away and get Dad. So I ran as fast as my legs would carry me. I yelled and pounded on the door. Dad opened the door and I explained frantically what was going on. In a split second Dad ran out the door in his socks, thru the melting snow and mud yelling to my brother as he got closer to "hang on Jack I'm coming." Dad reached into the ditch water at the bank as he arrived and grabbed my little brother who was hanging on for dear life to the grasses.

He was not harmed, just soaking wet, scared and crying. As the years went by my brother grew, was married and moved away to the Southwest. The years passed by quickly, and we rarely had contact. Life can be so busy and filled with careers and commitments.

Soon it was nineteen years that had passed and my little brother had grown into a successful business man with graying hair and tremendous responsibility. He attended our family reunion that year and stories were exchanged about lots of our family's life's situations. But one story came up about one spring day when the snow was melting and the ditch water was rising and Jack slipped and his big sister was there to help.

He remembered dad coming out in his socks and swooping him out of the water. Jack said he realized now family can be there and know what to do to help. Being away from home so long a person forgets whether it's the melting snow and mud that puts you in a jam or just life's ongoing challenges, family can offer a special help.

Spring offers new beginnings and family can offer that special guidance whether it is grabbing you out of the water or lending you and understanding ear at your time of need.

Happy Spring!!!!!