This week Casper was hit by another big snowstorm. The schools were closed and the city stopped while the snow fell heavy all around us.

A little more than two years ago a similar snowstorm hit us early in October. We weren’t living in Casper yet, but were just up for a visit with my parents while Olivia had chemo. The snow fell and fell and we weren’t able to head back home to Rawlins.

That snowy day provided an opportunity for us to close ourselves in and enjoy each other’s company. We cuddled under blankets by the fire. Olivia took a long nap on my chest that morning and I was able to snap this picture. It is still one of my favorites. Just me and my girl, cuddled up and enjoying a moment of peace.

Little did I know that just a short month later, my little girl would die in my arms. Her battle with cancer would be over, but the ache in my arms would never go away.

Enjoy the little moments. Try not to get frustrated when the weather or the world forces you to slow down. Maybe it is God telling you to treasure that very moment, because the truth is you won’t have it again. The next day your kids will be a little bit older. Pretty soon they will outgrow your lap.

An even scarier reality is that tomorrow is not guaranteed. That is true for all of us, no matter our age.

Be thankful for today and each moment you have with the ones that you love. Hold your kids a little bit tighter. Let them stay up 15 minutes late and read that book for the 100th time. Those moments will be treasures, not regrets.

Olivia Caldwell Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that raises money for pediatric cancer research. You can learn more and donate at www.oliviacaldwellfoundation.org.