This morning, I was reminded of what the weather was like twelve years ago right before Christmas, it was brutal. We rarely see a white Christmas around these parts, but in 2004, holiday travel was at a snail's pace or a standstill. Oh, what a ride! 

I can't remember all the specifics, but on the morning of December 23, 2004, nearly two feet of snow was dumped on the Tri-State and the Ohio Valley. I was living and working in Madisonville at the time. I started to wonder if I would be able to make it home for Christmas. I heard reports of vehicles sliding off the road, thinking they could drive at the normal speed limit on the various interstates and parkways. I had never missed the holidays with my immediate family. The decision was made by my parents to come and get me. Christmas would not be cancelled.

My mother is petrified of driving in the lightest of snows; Dad on the other hand, is not afraid, but he is cautious. It took them nearly 3 hours to drive from Beaver Dam to Madisonville on both the Wendell Ford Parkway and the Breathitt Parkway. The fastest my Dad went was maybe 25 miles per hour. We saw numerous abandoned vehicles. I saw one vehicle violently slide off heading in the opposite direction. It was the first time in a long time we didn't spend the holidays with other family; everyone was stuck where they were. It was just me, my sister, and my parents opening presents and eating Christmas dinner.

The following Monday, Dad drove me back to Madisonville. The roads were better but not perfect. My car was buried in a parking lot across the street from where my apartment was. I wasn't able to move it until some significant melting occurred.

It was definitely as "White Christmas" to remember.

More From WOMI-AM