In Southern California, rain is rare. So when the water falls from the sky, it is something that catches your attention. Growing up, it was exciting when it rained. It meant we had recess inside, Heads Up Seven Up and drawing on the chalkboard. In college it was an excuse to sleep in and skip class. And when I was working in an office, it made my commute longer but the sound of the drops pinging on the roof of my car somehow made that OK.

As a parent, rain can be a pain the butt. Kids want to go outside and run around. My park plans with Madeline were ruined a few times thanks to downpours. At the time, I really lamented that we didn’t get to spend the day sliding, swinging, and digging in the sand. I was annoyed we didn’t get the fresh air we both needed, irritated that our plans had to change.

Yesterday had a load of errands to run, but I was blindsided by rain. It definitely wasn’t baby-appropriate weather. I was annoyed, irritated that my plans had to change. I stood in the nursery and looked out the window at the drops crashing to earth.

rain drops

And then, I realized something:

It rained the day of my wedding.

It rained the day Annabel was born.

My marriage and Annabel’s birth were rainbows on what would have been otherwise gloomy days.

The days that Maddie and I were  to go to the park weren’t wasted. We snuggled under blankets, played games, and bounced on my bed. Wonderful things we wouldn’t have done if it was dry outside.

Yesterday, instead of going to the DMV, picking up dry cleaning, and buying ribbon, Annie and I curled up on the couch, practiced standing, and smiled until our faces hurt. Wonderful things we wouldn’t have done if it was dry outside.

There aren’t always bright sides to days where nothing goes the way you planned. I definitely tend to dwell on the inconveniences. But every now and then, when that rainbow peeks through, I’m happy that it rained.