The rain gutters gurgled as I awoke in my childhood bedroom, making clear there was a downpour outside the window. A feeling of dread overcame me and I couldn’t help but shudder. Then I remembered…I didn’t have to go outside.
I lived at home my last three years of college as attending a private school 20 minutes from home seemed like expense enough. No need for a separate address to declare my growing independence. I worked at the large olympic pool in our community at 4:30 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, mostly to afford my monthly visits to see my boyfriend-turned fiance-turned husband, who attended the Air Force Academy a whopping 1600 miles from where I was.
When I heard those gutters announce the rain, I knew what was in store. I was going to be drenched for my whole shift. We had to uncover the pool, rain or shine by taking 12 massive tarps off, just two of us girls. This was long before the sun came up and was no fun task without rain. Add rain into the equation and we had heavier tarps and fingers that had a hard time gripping the cranks. Not to mention lifeguarding in the rain as soon as we were done. Oh…the rain…I hated it…but having the means to see my love was all I needed to keep going & going & going…
I am here in the Bay Area, in Northern California for the remainder of the week. My childhood and teenage years lurk all around me. I grew up here. I met my husband here. There are memories everywhere I turn. I hope the rain lets up so I can go visit Central Park for some pictures. It was at this park that we cultivated our love through long walks, discussions when things weren’t so great, stargazing when they were and crazy dreams of “someday.” It was at our special spot where eventually he proposed. I will be enjoying the emerald hills and refreshingly beautiful blooming trees for a few days, as I forgot just how beautiful spring in the valley can be.
this is the tulip tree outside my childhood home, bursting it’s lilac buds for all to enjoy
