Walking the Wall

A friend of mine sent me a quote: “Those who think life is so gloomy have clearly never danced in the rain,” though I have also heard it as “Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain,” and yet another variation I particularly like: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

I went to a huge outdoor disco party Friday night with three other friends to dance the night away for a Make-A-Wish fundraiser. The Make-A-Wish organization came to our home and asked my son what his wish might be about 7 years ago and fulfilled it in a way he’ll never forget. We went last year and certainly couldn’t pass it up this year and I’m glad we didn’t. We danced until my feet and knees were on fire and then felt drops of rain, kept dancing, and then it RAINed and we got more than a little wet before the rain blew by. I have to say I think that was the best part of the night. A lot of people left the dance floor but I think that was their loss because there is nothing quite like putting your face up to the rain and just dancing!

I remember as a kid there was nothing better than summer rain fall when it is warm enough to just run out in the rain and play in the puddles. Part of the small street I lived on dipped down and would flood during big rainstorms and I remember splashing in that with abandon. There is something so far removed from children in the rain as adults dashing on the sidewalks trying to avoid the drops or huddled under umbrellas and muttering “rain, rain, go away” under their breaths. A few years ago I made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t drop my head and shoulders in the “rain hunch,” but keep it up, face to the sky. I’ve gotten out of that habit and dancing in the rain reminded me of why I’d promised myself that.