Early morning thunderstorms rolled into the western suburbs just after three o’clock. The front curtain of the pre dawn tempest brought loud booming thunder that rang for several seconds.
The gust rose the shades as lightning lit up the window panes. Between the rumbling claps came a faint voice.
“Dad?……… Dad?………
From the couch in the living room, “Yes Hazel….”
“Dad…. I don’t like the thunder. Can you come here please?”
I grabbed my pillow and walked down the hallway to my bedroom. Sitting up in bed was the daughter who recently marked her father as uncool.
I laid down in bed and an arm immediately clung to me. Reassuring all of the advice that I’ve received during this era of fatherhood.
Daughters will always need their daddy.
I closed my eyes and listened to the rain tapping all around. The thunder was well over Lake Michigan and the calmness of the storm had settled in.
The birds added their early repertoire to the dripping rain falling upon the gutters. A freight train rolling across the BNSF brought another easing sound to the drizzle and chirping.
I gently slipped out from the relaxed arm and looked out the bedroom window. The sound of Hazel gently breathing gave added calmness to the Sunday morning storms.
The early daylight is just beginning to creep into the neighborhood. Trees that had tight buds yesterday have exploded overnight with freshness. The newly formed greenery brought to life by the thunderstorm that scared my baby girl.
Through every preteen tantrum I face this summer, I will walk to the window and stare at the leaves formed by the last April showers.
Sometimes the rain brings inconvenience and sometimes it brings assurance. This morning it strengthened the demanding bonds between a daddy and his maturing daughter.
Today is National Pay it Forward Day. Unless you are a Jagoff, everyday is a day to pay forward. I’ve learned that I don’t have to search for a pay it forward situation. It usually falls into my lap at a time when faith is faltering.
Or
When I just need another lesson in humility.
Today is a good day to walk down the river and enjoy the rushing waters strengthened by the thunderstorms. Maybe enjoy a cloudy day at the zoo.
I’m into the last week of this year’s “Sixty Days of Celebrating Cecilia” and May begins on Wednesday.
Today is the perfect day to watch shit do stuff and get prepared for the summer.
Happy Sunday Funday my beautiful Chalkheads…..
