We were happy his job required frequent trips to the states. This trip across the pond meant we'd be in Cleveland, Ohio. Continental Airlines had great fares from where I lived to Cleveland and he just included my fare as business travel expenses for him.
I don't know who said it but it's so very true.
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." This person gets nothing but praise from me. I read that quote somewhere today and it brought memories of the last time I literally danced in the rain.
I loved dancing in the rain as a child. I can almost hear mother saying, "Avis, you are going to catch pneumonia or a cold. Please come inside?" I would tell her I could not catch a cold because the water was warm and so was I. I did not know what pneumonia was but knew my uncle got it because he was always walking.
No one had to ask me to come in if thunder rolled. I knew lightning had flashed somewhere, even if I did not see it; and darted inside faster than a speeding locomotive! I had a lot of respect for lightning and still do.
We had a long distance relationship. I preferred it that way even though it offered challenges. One might consider living on separate continents does not a relationship make but I beg to differ. His rather frequent trips from London and my infrequent trips to the UK suited me perfectly.
The timing was perfect, too for him to be in Cleveland. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum was paying homage to John Lennon. The top floor of the museum was dedicated to Lennon. What a treat this was for Chris!
The evening was lovely. The breeze from Lake Erie rolled in as we left the Marriott at Key Center for dinner. We walked hand-in-hand the four or five blocks to the restaurant. The Chop House and Brewery located downtown in the warehouse district is legendary for their steaks, chops and seafood. I recall asking Chris to generously tip the pastry chef, too!
As we were leaving, it began to rain. Chris offered to fetch a taxi and I refused. I was a little girl again and this time, mother could not insist I come inside, out of the rain. But even then, I could hear her in my heart. I smiled at the memory because she is no longer with us.
The rain was a fine mist. I said with childish excitement, "Let's walk in the rain!" We removed our shoes and walked in the direction of our hotel. We stole private moments in alleyways for smooches. About three blocks from the hotel, I began to dance. He joined me and so did our laughter.
We savored the spontaneity of our actions because he was headed across the pond the next morning. We were unsure when we would be together again. I hinted that I thought it was time for him to go back to South Florida. I knew he would make it happen, and soon, if possible.
Sometimes, life is very kind to us. Sometimes, it can be harsh. Our perspective on what comes our way can help us to refocus our vision and get a different picture. We danced under a dark sky of light showers but the sky can be ghastly with storm clouds. There can be a torrential downpour yet we can still dance. With absolute certainty, we will experience the storms of life but we can dance inside.
Giving thanks for all that's good in our lives in the midst of a storm, is dancing. We should never let our dance card fill with miscellaneous tasks and we fail to dance. Become a rain dancer!
2009 by Avis Ward of My FM Place.com
