We had a series of thunderstorms Wednesday night that caused flash flooding in my community. The next morning I awoke to a bright, crisp sunrise. On this morning after the storm, raindrops were collected on the leaves and flower petals of plants beaten down with relentless force. Don't worry. These plants will recover.
The storms came in waves Wednesday, each one stronger than the one before. It was a hot 87 degree day, significantly warmer than Ohio ought to be in mid April. Before it began, strong winds blew open a shed door. After we secured the shed, the wind suddenly slowed and gave us a moment to explore new developments around my yard before large raindrops began to fall. The old dogwood had bloomed and a nearby rhododendron is now loaded with large buds.
It was almost magical when Adam and I simultaneously spotted blooms on the lilac bush. This was special because it was a start that my dad retrieved for me from an enormous lilac in my grandparents' old yard. One of Grandma's lilac blooms now occupies the center of my kitchen table, giving off a spectacular fragrance.
On this morning, puddles of water reflected a radiant rising sun. Things seemed cleaner and greener. The proverbial fresh start promised each year by this season we call Spring has finally been delivered. The birds know it too and they pass the word. Through the open windows of my house on the hill, whistles and chickadee dee dees came from all around. A distant mourning dove quietly reminded me that there will be another storm to weather on another day.
In that moment, I rejoiced in the light and air and the sights, sounds and textures of Spring. She had arrived bearing gifts but her stay will be brief as the unforgivingly humid and volatile Summer will soon move in, leaving these sweet, cool mornings a mere memory.
After waxing poetic over the beauty of my morning, I heard from Adam whose night and day had been marred by flash flooding damage. Sadly, lots of people woke up yesterday morning to flood damage and clean up projects that will keep them busy for a long time. Spring can be just as temperamental and volatile as any other season, particularly where water is concerned.
This just goes to show that what is an inspiring fresh start for me on the ridge can be a discouraging event for those who live in the valley.
As humans, we are created equally. Unfortunately, our events and our lives are not all the same. We don't have the same experiences and we don't all start from the same place. That's easy to forget but important to remember. Let's try doing that.
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