“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”

– Henry Ward Beecher, American Congregationalist, clergyman and social reformer

“Oh no,” I whispered. “Oh, please no.”

It wasn’t a great day to be driving. Snow was falling, and the roads were glazed with ice. I had slowed from my usual 115 to less than 80 km/h. Even still, I could feel the tires on my SUV occasionally lose traction. On my left, a car edged past, travelling only barely faster, raising a column of snow that all but obscured my view. I took a deep breath and relaxed my grip slightly on the steering wheel. It would be OK. I would be OK. Just breathe.

I’m not sure what I saw first. The cloud of snow or the approaching vehicle. A tru...

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