Regret

Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. ~Ruth E. Renkel

In "Those Sunday Winters" the character looks back on his memories of his late father. On the outside, he thinks of the common occurrence of his father splitting wood at the crack of dawn to warm the house. He is stung by regret for not being as thankful. However, the father drove out more than the cold. Cold is often used to symbolize cold natured people, or generally bad times.The man's father mingled in his son's life, tried to help in any way possible. Like many children, the son probably hated his dad for butting into his life, but now that he is mature he truly appreciates it. The man regrets never truly thanking his father for protecting him throughout their lives together.