And what a blessing it was! The rains came to West Virginia late Saturday afternoon. I was there visiting my mother and mowing the dirt which used to be a lawn. The grass was so sparse and the ground so dry that each pass with the riding mower stirred up a cloud of dust that made it difficult to see my way to dodge the trees. But I managed to hold my breath long enough for the breeze to blow away the filthy clouds. My glasses, my clothes, my skin were all coated with a fine layer of dirt.

As I mowed, I watched with fascination as black rain clouds appeared in the distance and slowly drew near. I cut the last little bit of grass just as the rain began. I slipped into high gear and headed for the shed, parked the mower and ran for the house. I was desperate to take a shower before any lightening began. As I began to pull off my clothes, I glanced in the mirror. I looked like some kind of weird Dalmatian! Everywhere the raindrops had hit my formerly white t-shirt, there were muddy brown spots. I laughed so hard I nearly feel over as I headed to the shower.

After I finished the shower and got dressed, I went out to the screened porch and sat to watch the show.

The "show" was the storm which now was blowing and raining in the most wonderful way. I felt that I could almost see the grasses and trees reaching up to welcome the rain. They still remembered how, although it had been mid June since they last saw any meaningful amount of rain.

I am not sure that plants can feel joy, but if they can, I was right there sharing it with them!