The car speeds down the highway, splashing a bit of water. I look out at the rain on the fields. Then I focus on the raindrops on the window, not sure why I am fascinated by the trails they make down the glass. We’ll see Mom & Dad soon; can’t wait to get back home to Missouri.
This time we are driving to a concert in the city. The rain makes everything shinier. The road glistens. The streetlights drip. The rain stops just before we step out onto the sidewalk to go into the concert hall. A car goes past, splashing a puddle. Even in the city, the rain smells good.
Now I am driving to the grocery store with the kids. I wish I didn’t have to deal with rain and groceries, yet it’s a pleasant rain which is washing the earth after a cold winter. After parking, I sit for a minute and watch the droplets on the windshield.
It’s been almost 9 years since I’ve been in a car in the rain, with one or two exceptions.
This is because when I go out, it’s usually to spend an afternoon at the park or somewhere outside.
The rare times I’m headed to the doctor or somewhere, there hasn’t been rain because we don’t get much rain here–only about 18 inches a year. 🙂
So, a very weird thing happens sometimes when I’m watching TV or internet.
When I see a car in the rain, memories of my “old life” coming flooding back, almost more than any other image.
Sometimes people on TV in grocery stores will do this, too. It’s been 7 years since I’ve been in a grocery store.
But the rain on a car window always makes me catch my breath. Something about the memories plus the unique feelings one gets about rain.
Dedicated to my fellow MCS sufferers who know what I mean.
Christa Upton Black Hills Picture Books Edgemont, SD 57735
