Bama Winter

‘Bama Winter Dr. James E. Martin ©January, 2014 The first big storm of twenty fourteen Caught everyone completely off guard. Something that surely was long not seen Hit ‘Bama extremely hard. People were stranded everywhere. Vehicles could simply not go. Story after story for years we’ll share, Temps were at or near zero! Friends up north have had their fun With all their “driving skills”. Would they have any better done In all of these wintry “thrills”? It always amuses many of us Those attitudes from way afar, Contribute to more than a little fuss About how to navigate with a car. One thing that this storm has clearly displayed Is that Southernism is alive and well. Hospitality to strangers was not delayed, The media continued to tell. When the multitudes were suddenly stranded, And all those vehicles were forsaken, In unfamiliar places these folks landed As emotions were extremely shaken. They were welcomed in out of the cold By folks they’d never known. Genuine compassion they would all behold, New friendships they’d now own! Helping others was the cry of the day As families were suddenly separated. To get the kids at school – there was no way! Other plans soon were appreciated. A surgeon walked many miles In the cold and bitter air. The success of his journey brought many smiles As life was made better with his care. Many lessons were learned in this storm. Many more will yet be learned. Never take for granted simply being warm, And be thankful that even strangers were concerned. Ordinary folks stepped up to the plate. Emergency workers went the extra mile. Because of their diligence on this January date Many this night can proudly smile!