CHAPTER 15SNOW BOWL
For much of February, Ryan did everything he could to follow his marching orders. He stopped drinking altogether, practiced reasonable sleep hygiene, and sought to celebrate the many highlights of his life. And it was paying off. The whole house seemed more upbeat. As an apparent reward, the heavens dropped a good foot of powdery snow on the region, transforming it into a sparkling winter wonderland. Ryan got up early and shoveled out the cars, intent on hitting the hospital after a quick breakfast. On reentering the house, however, he was set upon by three effervescent young girls.
“Ooh, Dad, can we go play soccer in the snow like we did last year?” pleaded the usually cool, collected, and analytic Ava, Ryan and Kelly’s oldest.
“Yeah, Daddy, can we? It would make my
