In this region of Western WA, a snowfall is rare and special. Last week we got a couple inches of snow at the UW Seattle campus. Students were running outside late at night to check it out. At this point I was cozy in warm pajamas, so I decided to wait until the morning to see what all the excitement was about.

I love the variety of snowflakes, how they are different sizes and speeds as they whirl to the ground. When I was little, I used to think that I was witnessing the aftermath of an angelic pillow fight as thick flakes floated down to earth. To me they looked like a movie reel, endlessly scrolling out of the vast sky. The most snow I have ever witnessed was the year it snowed nine inches at our house. An ice storm followed, knocking the power out for a few days. Though there were some drawbacks, the big snow that year was very fun.

There is something beautiful about new fresh fallen snow, the kind that has yet to be disturbed by any living thing. When snow catches the sunlight, the ice crystals glisten and sparkle. As snow silently covers the earth, we find ourselves transfixed in a childlike state of awe and wonder. The transformative quality of snow is intriguing for both children today and children at heart. Adults recall fond memories of sledding, building snowmen and snowball fights. They relive those fun memories with younger people who are creating their snow memories for the first time. In this area, snow brings people together and creates a space for community. People find common ground with one another and bond over their responses to and respect for the mighty snow.