Rain.

Rain. 

I love rain. 

Most people find it gloomy. 

But every time it rains, my face breaks out in a grin 

as memories flood through my mind's eye and warm my soul. 

Some of my best memories have come with rain. 

Dancing in the middle of a downpour during the best week of my life, 

then walking to session, my hair dripping, 

my clothes sagging, the wettest person there. 

Running through a raging storm, splashing in nearly knee-deep puddles 

as I made my way through Washington, D.C., 

surrounded by friends, all of us dressed in our best.

Sitting in an amphitheater, writing and practicing a speech. Clouds were just gathering, the wind picking up, a few drops hitting my nose. I had thought myself completely relaxed as I timed my words. But a friend's voice behind me made me scream, jump up, start to run, then burst into laughter as we both shook our heads at my over-reaction.

Running through a downpour, holding my tiny umbrella, another friend's hand gripped over mine, stumbling, laughing, trying to reach the stone legislative building ahead, getting wet despite our efforts.

Standing in a torrential downpour, trying to transfer luggage to another car, laughing as a parent ordered his son to do something before realizing it was the child hadn't seen for a week.

Singing in the middle of a parking lot. 

Riding Splash Mountain over and over and over again, 

not caring how wet I got. 

Just happy to be having a great time. 

Walking arm in arm with a close friend I rarely see, 

talking about anything and everything as rain gently fell. 

Rain is my friend.

Whenever it pours, my heart fills with smiles and laughter..

Memories that I will never forget.

Memories that will always make me love rain.