It did not happen all at once, but I remember specific incidents that led to the death of my childhood. Death might be harsh, but there is a time when I recall there being no “adult things” to get in the way of fun in the winter. And then gradually… I learned of horrible stupid, responsibilities that just suck any chance of enjoying certain events to the fullest.  The one that sticks in the memory banks the most is shoveling the roof.  I really thought it was a joke. I can understand shoveling the walks and driveway, even as a kid that makes sense, but what kills any chance of enjoying a good storm is the roof thing. So, you mean I got to get on a ladder, then the roof and put the snow on the ground? Any kid would tell you – “Just let it melt!”. It is even closer to the sun… melting is what it should do. But no, I could get Ice Dams… another winter soul killer. The name sounds kind of cool, something you would want to build as a kid and jump your sled over. Nope, Ice Dams destroy your house… and I guess your childhood innocence too. Mr. Andersen, my neighbor told me about all this crap. I honestly thought he was on his roof to jump into the giant pile of snow, and I wanted in, so I rushed over… then he explained it all, slowly taking ways to enjoy the storms. Stupid Ice Dams. I just want to barrel down a hill, jump my sled, but I can’t even do that anymore, my damn hip might break.

tr/trp