Evergreen Madonna and child

There's at least a foot of snow on the ground, and there's more—maybe plenty more—if the offing tomorrow, so, even though this winter has, in truth, been nothing all that severe, folks are starting to complain and feel oppressed. I would tell the whiners to buck up, but I'm afraid that any encouragement from this winter cheerleader would be met with something less than thanks. I keep my joy to myself. But when I was out trekking this afternoon, I noticed a pair of evergreens, perhaps parent and kid, or older sibling and relative newbie. The scene struck me as oddly touching, as if the bigger, more experienced member of the duo was telling the little guy, "Yeah, I know that the snow's getting deeper and you're worried that it might soon engulf you. But let me tell you: I've been there, been buried for weeks, and it's no big deal. I came out fine... and so will you. Just relax. It's winter. This happens. We're built for it. Really."