Can I Play in the Rain?

Every year around the 4th of July the Blue Angels perform an air show at Pensacola Beach. I am fortunate enough that if I walk to the end of my street (about an 8 minute walk) I can see the beach and watch the show.

It has been a rainy July this year but I decided I would take my chances and I walked down to watch them. I sat on the pier and patiently waited for the roar of the Blues to fly above my head. Looking up at the sky I noticed to my left it was blue but to my right it was black. I decided to wait a little longer.

As I was waiting a mother and her little boy, about 5 years old, passed me and sat on the end of the pier. Trying to entertain him, they dangled their feet over the murky water and watched the fish swim by. That didn't last. No longer able to sit still, the little blond haired boy ran past me with his mother fast on his heels. He made it to the edge of the water a few steps before his mom and with much enthusiam pointed out everything he saw in the water.

By this time the cloud had moved closer and everyone was pretty sure there would be no air show that day. As I was getting up to leave I heard the mother tell the little boy that it was going to rain and they had to leave.

His response "Can I play in the rain?"

I couldn't help but smile and be taken back to when I was that age. When I loved to play in the rain. It is such a simple request and an action that brings many children such joy. Playing in the rain, jumping in puddles, and opening your mouth to see if you can catch the rain drops.

When was the last time I took joy in something so simple? When was the last time I played in the rain?

I got my chance that day. It rained before I could get home and I was able to play in the rain.