Josephine and Wally were a retired couple who lived in Southern Illinois, but headed to Florida every year after Christmas to spend the winter months. Avoiding most of the cold weather that we have here, Josephine and Wally enjoyed the warmth of the “Sunshine state.”

Many years ago when I was visiting friends who live in Florida I noticed a large apartment building which seemed to cater to older people. My friends told me this building was actually a winter retreat for senior adults who lived in Florida during the cold winter months, but resided in the north during the spring, summer, and fall months.

The local Floridians call these senior adults from the north “snow birds” because they flee to Florida to avoid the cold, snowy north during the winter, just like most birds. During the winter, Josephine and Wally lived in an apartment like the one I noticed, escaping the cold of Southern Illinois.

I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and proud of it. Many years ago I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else but in Southern Illinois, even for a short period of time. I know it gets cold in Southern Illinois during the winter. I know that when it snows it can cause us trouble when we want to go outdoors. The wind often blows in the winter and we must bundle up to stay as warm as possible here.

When Josephine and Wally talked about going to Florida for the winter, I had to bite my tongue to keep from commiting. I knew they are older and that the cold weather didn’t suit them well. But, Southern Illinois was their home. I just couldn’t understand why they would want to leave, even for just a few months.

What I’ve always liked about Southern Illinois is that we have four seasons. We get to enjoy occasional snowy mornings in winter, the awakenings of spring, the green of summer, and the beautiful fall colors. Florida can’t offer all four seasons like we enjoy here.

When I was younger I used to think that all that talk about the warmth and sunshiny weather of Florida was overstated. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to realize why Josephine and Wally were drawn to such a warm-weather state. As I grow older I find myself disliking the cold weather more and more, too. Snow and cold is for young people, not the rest of us.

But still, there’s nothing better than waking up to find a white-snowy blanket covering the landscape in the neighborhood. Josephine and Wally didn’t get to see this snowy wonder. However, as I grow older I find myself hoping that the snow melts away by noon, so I can safely venture outdoors.

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