Driving in the Rain

Rain is an odd thing, at times. Most of the time, you can see it coming from a mile away, with plenty of time to get under cover. Even if it springs on us unexpectedly, we can often run between the raindrops till we get to shelter.

But then there's the times rain shows up when we weren't expecting it at all. A nice, warm sunny day - and all of a sudden, there's rain. I remember, when I was a kid, it was a warm summer day. Plenty of sunshine and just right for a good day at the pool.

My Mom agreed, too. So off we went to the Westchester public pool, where we had been many a time before. The sunshine overhead seemed to be urging us on and I sat in the backseat of our minivan, already planning the fun things I would do once we got to the pool.

And then...

🌧️

We drove right into a rainstorm. Dark clouds descended, blocking out the cheerful sunlight. Rain spattered the windows, coming down harder than cats 'n' dogs. My Mom and I needed no further discussion. She turned around at the next light and we headed back towards home, hoping we could beat the rain there.

And yet...

🌞

Just as quickly as we drove into the rain, we drove right back out of the rain! Sunlight beamed down on us, as if the sun itself was asking why we had been so silly as to leave it behind. We drove all the way home and had a gloriously sunlight afternoon. No rain ever arrived.

My Mom and I have both been thinking about that lately, as we mourn the recent loss of my father. He was a good man, a great man - the sunlight leadership in our lives. Losing him hurts like nothing else I've gone through in my life. He was the wind beneath my wings, my steadfast support who always believed in me. Was always proud of me.

I wish he could've lived long enough to hold my novel in his hands - a real, physical copy that he could dive into like the voracious reader he was. It feels like the storm clouds of grief will always be around us. And for a time, they will.

But though driving out of that storm won't be nearly as swift as that day when my Mom and I drove into (and out of!) a rainstorm, we will get through it. Gradually, bit by bit, the rain will lessen until the sun shines down on us once more. It won't be the same without my Dad, but we will move forward to build a life he would be proud of.

And who knows?

Maybe the storm is where we meet the people who matter most in the next season of our lives.

And perhaps, we have to cross the storm to find the rainbow (and that pot of gold!) waiting on the other side... 🌦️ 🌈

😉

Until next time, Keep the Peace!

~ Katelyn Peterson

P.S. As I tell my fanfiction readers, please read and review (reply). I cherish each reply I receive and will do my best to personally respond to each one.

Please also check out my website at: www.katelynpeterson.com​

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