Hang on to patience (01/30/2009)

Patience, we all know, is a virtue.

And never is it more of a virtue than in winter in the Midwest.

Want to go somewhere? Be patient enough to clear all the snow and ice off your windows. Better yet, take a few minutes more to clear off the rest of the stuff that will blow onto the windshield and obscure your vision as you head down the road.

Be patient with the other drivers on the road, giving them enough room and being ready to respond when you need to.

Be patient with city, county, and state highway crews who are working long hours trying to clear away Mother Nature's wintry mess.

Be patient in the check-out line. You're not the only person on the planet dealing with the inconvenience.

And while you're being patient, be thoughtful.

Be thoughtful enough to shovel your walk so that the newspaper delivery person and mail carrier can get through.

Be patient with yourself as well while you're shoveling. Do the job, but don't put yourself in the hospital. Because as well all know, hospitals already have enough patients. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]