REFLECTIONS: Let It Snow?!
by Teresita Bacani-Oropilla, MD
From afar, as snow tops the distant mountains, it makes them look majestic. As it covers the landscape in higher altitudes, it dazzles the eye with cleanliness and purity. As it regularly stays in known accessible places, it becomes a playground for young and old. It’ s such a gift we the people have, this snow! Indeed we do!
But then, in a temperamental earth to which it belongs, it can create havoc where there was peace. Witness a group of skiers deciding to ski down a mountain slope. They start and the snow under their feet start an avalanche with them in it. In grief, later, others try to rescue them, but in vain. Snow then can be a boon and a bane!
Lately, our region has been under the onslaught of heavy snowfall. Despite preparations to combat its deleterious effects, we are at its mercy. Government, commercial, schools, transportation, health facilities have all been affected.
Did we claim we prepared with our own minds and with the aid of our vaunted machines?
Did nature or we prevail? Can we do better?
Dr. Bacani-Oropilla is a retired pediatrician and psychiatrist.
March 2026 27