Last night, a cold wave was forecast, and a heavy snow warning was issued. I was somewhat bracing myself for significant snowfall, but when I woke up and looked outside this morning, I found only a thin layer of snow covering the ground and rooftops. While the temperature was indeed low, it wasn’t the heavy snow I had expected, and I felt relieved. As the morning progressed, the sun rose, and the weather gradually turned calm. With no wind and a serene atmosphere, stepping outside felt rather pleasant, promising a comfortable day ahead.
Today also happens to be my birthday—I turned 63. In the past, birthdays were occasions naturally celebrated with family, but now there is no one left to mark the day with me. If my wife were still here, she would undoubtedly have remembered my birthday, and we might have spent some quiet time together. But those days are gone, and this is the reality of spending my days alone. It doesn’t feel particularly lonely; it just seems like the natural course of life, and I’ve come to accept it as it is.
I didn’t have any specific plans today, but in the morning, I went to the supermarket to buy some groceries. On the way back, I stopped by the library and borrowed a few books I had been meaning to read. There were no special events or noteworthy occurrences, but even so, the crisp winter air, the serene sunshine, and the quietness of the day felt soothing. Despite the concerns over the cold wave, the weather turned out to be calm and pleasant, making for a surprisingly peaceful day.
Now that I’m 63, the kind of excitement I once felt on birthdays in my younger years has faded. Yet, I find myself appreciating the little things in life more deeply. On this cold but tranquil winter day, I feel grateful simply to be healthy and able to enjoy the day. Although it was an ordinary day in many ways, I was reminded that it’s the everyday moments that truly matter.
