Michigan in winter is gloomy... I remember now

As promised, the snow came, but it didn't stay. It was really pretty while it lasted, and it didn't even last long enough to become grey slush, which is a good thing, but the clouds that delivered it insist on hanging around. I remember now the land of grey and long for just a little sunshine to break up the gloom. I remember the gloom lasting from October to almost May- grey skies, grey clouds, grey slush- and the grey mood that pervades if there isn't a sunshine respite from time to time, which, of course, there isn't.
I am having a very nice visit with my brother Pat. Life has handed him one ugly challenge but he is meeting it with courage and humor. I am in awe of his strength. Today, Dad, my sister Sue and her hubby Andy, brother Bill and brother Mike with his wife Yvonne dropped in at various times between 1 and 3, and all left after a good visit at 5. I worried that it might be too much for him, all the noise and activity, and we are all of us rough kidders and loud, but he did well and so did we all. I can't remember the last time we were all together and were as gentle and supportive of one another as we were today. Dad is not looking very well, all of us are feeling our age, and most of us are feeling the effects of the grey season in our bones and muscles. The only thing missing at today's mini-reunion was a bit of sun.
Babs and the girls are in sunny San Francisco, getting their UV fix. I will be returning to Tennnessee shortly where even the coldest days are generally sunny. I wish I could magically transport Pat to someplace where the sun is shining, or have the power to hurry spring in Michigan. He could sure use a break from the gloom and grey. If Easter comes, can spring be far behind?