The whole country was taken back by the disastrous attack of the ice storm in early 2008, in which people suffered a lot but they also learned a lot. Stories that saddened or moved us were happening every day during that period. I also went through an unforgettable event, which taught me the magical power of family.
It was on January 28th. The kitchen clock had just struck 6, but it was totally dark outside. Other families in the neighborhood had already finished their meals, huddling around the stove, and played cards to kill the nighttime. However, we were expecting Dad to come back. He was still on his way home. That morning, I caught a serious cold, with a slight fever and a sick feeling. We thought I would be better with some home remedies, but there was no sign of any turn for the better. Therefore, after lunch, Dad decided to go to the clinic in the town, for he said doctors in the village were not professional and the medicine there didn’t work. So far, Dad had been out for nearly four hours.
The weather could not be worse. We were faced with an ice storm which was known as the greatest one ever recorded to hit the south in the past 150 years. The temperature had dropped to below 0℃. Layers and layers of ice covered every exposed object—roads, roofs and even rocks in the withered grass. The wind sounded like the roar of a passing train, attempting to turn over any object in its way. What’s worse, the big boughs began to crack and snap under the unbearable weight of the ice, which also caused potential dangers to the passers - by.
In the house, the usual noisy atmosphere disappeared. Mom, in an absent - minded way, was making the meal. My young brother and I were sitting around the stove in the dining room. And our dog, Dabao, obediently lay at my brother’s feet. The room was extraordinarily quiet. The only sound we could hear was the “pa pa pa” from the stove and the huge noise from the cracking and falling down of the boughs from time to time
As time went by, we became more and more impatient and agitated. Dishes had been put onto the table and dispersed tempting smells. Looking at those once caused quarrels between my brother and me, but now we had no appetite. Mom began sobbing. My mischievous brother also became restless. Worry and anxiety was on everyone’s face.
It began to snow again. I ran to the window and put my face against the glass in order to see through the darkness and catch sight of that blue motorbike, or at least a beam of light. However, nothing was there. Just for a while, the snow had been several centimeters deep. I watched the snowflakes cover the glass and felt a crushing guilt. Several days ago, I knew the result of the examination. It was not as good as I had expected, so I felt very depressed and vexed in those days. I had even lost my temper with him when Dad tried having a talk with me. Whenever and whatever he said to me, I just dodged and refused to answer. Now I knew it was cruel and silly of me to reject his care. How seriously I had hurt Dad. I couldn’t wait to tell him I was sorry.
Thinking about all this, I was brought to tears. I tried not to think about the bad things, but many thoughts flashed through my mind. Previously, I had never thought that someday my mother or father would leave me. But now I realized that I might forever lose the chance to enjoy the love of my father. Remember, during those 21 years, my Dad was always around, watching me, taking care of me and loving me to a state where I even I ignored his care. To possibly lose that forever was a shock to me. I told myself that it would not happen. It was too early. I was not ready to face it.
The growling of the engine outside brought me back to reality. I rushed to the front door and straight out to the steps. “Yes it was Dad!” I cried out loud and immediately wiped the tears off my face. Mom and brother also rushed out. Dad was a snowman. Seeing that I was much better, he smiled. He got the medicine out of the case in the back and threw it at me, saying, “You are well, right?” I nodded and hugged him, which gave him a big surprise. Then we three surrounded him while walking into the house.
At 7:30, we started our dinner. Though the dishes were cold, they tasted delicious as usual. At the table Dad told his story about that afternoon.
I seemed to grow up overnight and understand the magical power of the family. Sometimes in families there are quarrels and disagreements, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t care about each other. Dad has quarreled with Mom, but they get over it, because Dad loves Mom and Mom loves Dad. I have a lot of squabbles with my brother, but we always get over them, because we love each other. We children sometimes will defy our parents, but our parents will always forgive us and tolerate our imprudence, because our parents love us. Likewise, our parents sometimes misunderstand us, but we are always concerned about their health and safety, for we love them. In a word, it is family that bonds us together. This is the magic of family, much more powerful than any disaster.
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