Walk in the Rain

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."

Roger Miller 

Riding bikes, roller skating, and making forts filled my childhood days.  There were numerous children to play games with whether  hopscotch or tug of war.  We made forts out of discarded refrigerator boxes and played hide and seek.  On occasion we would play dress up with discarded lace curtains. 

JoJo the ice cream man drove the Good Humor truck down our darkened street every night.  As we waited his arrival, listening for the jingle of the truck's bells, we caught fire flies in glass quart jars.   All of the kids would gather under the street light and tell stories.  

I loved when it rained.  I ran without shoes exploring trees, rocks, and the alleys of our city block. My bare feet slapped the wet side walk and the sound made me laugh.  Never an umbrella, drops of rain hit my head and washed away the sweat from hard play.  The dark lines of dirt in the creases of my elbows would gently slide away.  There was something inspiring about rain.  Maybe it was the sense of connection to all of God's creatures or a gentle blessing cleansing the day.