Don’t tell my wife Julie, but I managed to get a cool Valentine’s Day gift a bit early and it came as a result of stranger’s words about Friday’s blanket of snow.

Rarely does a day go by when our newspaper’s online readers don’t criticize the newspaper.

Usually, the criticisms come in just a few common flavors.

Some folks despise that we currently allow readers to anonymously share their thoughts on articles.

Others despise that we remove comments that are shown to violate our user agreements. Those people would prefer to be able say whatever they want to say, whenever they want to say it.

The other primary kind of criticism is simply from people who seem to always wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They’re the folks who can find something negative to say about just about everything and everyone.

Avoiding these folks will almost certainly improve one’s outlook on life, as their negativity can be contagious.

These folks are also the most critical of the newspaper and its staff. We never report things well enough for them. For most of these folks, our typos are inexcusable and, I think a few, would prefer we just closed up shop and moved away.

So with all of that as a backdrop, let’s get back to my early Valentine’s Day present.

Out of the coverage of the snowfall, one of our articles was simply a “feel good” article in which a reporter talked to locals who were out and about enjoying the snow.

Snowball fights, snowman building and a little redneck sledding were all featured delights according to our readers.

Interestingly though by midday on Saturday only one online comment was posted on that article. The lone comment was made by user “jevans” who realized the beauty of the snow and its effect on our community.

Here’s an excerpt from “jevans” comment:

“What a beautiful story. You can so see in their faces how much fun they were having. … It was for everyone a wonderful family day. Isn’t it funny how God sprinkles fluffy white stuff all around us and we all acted with joy and even pride, sharing our pictures?

“The blessing of the day was we showed we can interact as a community in The Democrat without hurtful, harmful comments.”

What a great point.

And it wasn’t hard to see how all of the usual stresses of life seemed to float away with the snowfall.

All across the community, parents stayed home from work with their children who were off from school and everyone just played.

Moms helped keep little hands warm and dry. Dads helped their little ones build giant snowmen.

And everyone from grandma to the family dog made snow angels and frolicked in the snow.

Beyond a few public servants and the utility workers who had to keep roads clear and safe and the power on, most folks seemed to enjoy having an unexpected break from the usual hectic days of life.

And, like “jevans” wrote, that’s enough to make almost anyone smile and enough, apparently, to silence the world’s critics, even if for just a few hours.

That’s a wonderful Valentine’s gift for the community. Thanks for reading our newspaper and submitting all of the great photos of your fun in the snow, all of which are online at www.natchezdemocrat.com.

And, before I get in the doghouse, happy Valentine’s Day, Julie. I love you.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.