Nicole M. Miller

I was 17 years old. My grandparents were in the front seat of their late 80s Oldsmobile Ciera sedan, and I sat in the back with my great grandmother, who was also in her late 80s. We drove through Longview, Washington, on a clear, sunny November day en route to my cousin’s birthday party at a pizza place. As we cruised down the long highway stretch of Longview, I looked to my left and a few young guys in a muscle car were flashing smiles and revving the engine. I turned to my great grandmother. “Those boys are smiling at you, Grandma!” She laughed, smiled that beautiful smile and waved them off....

It’s been a rough couple of weeks, but through the ugliness of frozen days, illness, jury duty, death and broken vehicles, there has been a true beauty to January 2013. Sometimes, you have to look beyond the surface to see the true gift. This outrageously cold weather… also means sunny days with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Being sick and barely getting out of bed for two days… also meant true rest and recovery. Having jury duty and losing productive work days… also meant fresh perspective and a renewed value in my citizen duties. Attending two funerals/wakes in one day… also meant seeing the joys of family and life. Juggling between vehicles… also means...