Tale of kindness from angels of a snowstorm

Snow is falling softly and a beautiful winter wonderland is being created all around me. I wish I could go to West Lake to see the Broken Bridge covered in snow. But I know from past experience that here in Hangzhou, where we get snowfall infrequently, the roads will have become quite dangerous.

Instead, I'll sit here in my cozy apartment and let my mind drift to the Great Snowstorm of 2008. Day by day the news got worse for millions who were stranded at train and bus stations, trying to get home for the New Year. Drivers didn't dare try to drive in those conditions. Busses were skidding dangerously all over the place till services were canceled altogether. The snow continued to fall.

It was utterly beautiful, but caused so much grief to so many. All over the country, power lines were cut. Premier Wen Jiabao reached out in person to those who were stranded and suffering. He cared, and that meant a lot. Still, being stranded is being stranded and there seemed to be no relief for so many.