Believe it or not, there was a time when winter was my absolute favorite time of the year. Watching the snow fall, laying in it making angels, sliding down a small hill, nothing could compare. It was a winter wonderland, at least until I had to begin to shovel walks and walk several blocks to the bus stop amidst drifts which were as high as I was tall. In 1973, my mother in law moved to Florida with her new husband who was also a snow bird. Following her for a few months seemed like a good idea for a change of pace and Halloween of that year, we drove through the small, but quaint town of Ft. Myers.

The differences between the way the little town was and the city of Chicago were almost unbelievable, a real culture shock if you will. I was missing my museums, restaurants (especially the pizzas), theaters and the neighborhoods. Then, on New Years Day, 1974, I was swimming in the gulf and then and there, decided I wasn’t ever going back to the cold. Nothing could compare to the warmth of being in the water, splashing around while my family was still in Chicago, donning six layers of clothing.

I have lived here in Florida a lot longer than I did in Chicago, and have definitely become a hot house Pansy. Anything below 80 degrees finds me running to the closet for a sweater or sweat shirt. I long for the days when the sun is warming my pool to 82 degrees so I can bask to my hearts content. But, knowing I can’t live in my pool, especially year around because it’s not heated, I needed to find something else to do to stay warm.

Believe it or not, becoming a member of the VFW, Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres and volunteering has definitely been the answer! When I enter the doors, the greetings give me such a warm feeling, especially since the veterans there are all such great people. They are continually working with the community to assist in any way they can, and even began a Combat Trauma Support Group because the thought of a Veteran committing suicide is not to be accepted. The time goes by so fast and exudes such a warm feeling, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Organization.

If you’re like me and have become a hot house Pansy, then consider joining us at 25 S. Homestead Road. You’ll be glad you did!