A Rainy Day Memory

"Anyone Who Thinks Sunshine is Pure Happiness, Has Never Danced in the Rain."

 On Saturday, I plop in a seat on the bus, tug on my drenched shoes, peal off my sopping wet socks and dry off my soaked feet thinking I have hypothermia. This weekend was the regional choir auditions and my choir and I spent it in the rain. Being a sunshine loving, Arizona girl, I was not so much in favor of the wet, winter air we had to trudge around in all day. But, wanting to make my blogs happy and positive memories, I reflected to warm summer evenings when rainy days were my absolute favorite thing.

There was one summer day in particular that still brings a smile to my face whenever I think back to it. My Aunt AnneMarie and her three girls were here in Holbrook for their annual summer visit from California. Any day with them is always a treat. To top it off, my good friend Chelsea Thomas had surprised me with a visit the night before, and was going to be staying the weekend at my house. Four of my favorite girls together, it's just one of those little moments reminding you that life is good. 

We had spent a long day of fun together and where chatting on the couch when we heard the first crash of thunder. The noise that sends chills of excitement all through my body. The chatting stopped and we all looked at each other with bright faces. The first rain fall of the summer monsoon season. We ran out side in our bare feet, giggling, as we witnessed the first rain drops sprinkle the side walk. Before we knew it, my big drive way beside the front yard of my house, had transformed in to a beautiful stage. The same side walk that just ten minuets previous had been harshly beat upon with sunshine, was now coated with a gleaming layer of twinkling water. It was just enough water to twirl around on pointed toes with ease. The "pit, pat" noise that our feet made as we pranced around leaping, and spinning, and splashing, was music to our ears. It’s like each drop of rain was a little splash of magic and I wanted to stay in that moment forever.

Like all rain storms in Holbrook, it stopped coming down after about ten minuets, but the moment continued. We stayed out side enjoying the clean earth, the fresh smell, and each other. Eventually we came inside to dry off and warm up and sooner or later the moment was over. Reading this “moment” back might seem so meaningless, but

Chelsea and I and my cousins talked about how fun this meaningless moment was for the rest of the night. I think filling our lives with “meaningless” moments is what gives our lives so much meaning. Allowing our selves these moments fill our hearts with happiness. Loved ones return home and move on, live goes on, and moments fade to memories. So I just say thank you. Thank you, God. Thank you for the memory.

Summer 2011
Jasmine, Jillianna, Mariah, Chelsea

Marina

My Memory with Mason

Mason Hawk was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.He didn't look people in the eye and he didn't talk except through sign language with his family. He now communicates very well, and loves school, basketball, and music. Just this year Mason started taking dance from my mom. For about a year now it has been my dream to one day teach dance to children with autism. Why? I can't even tell you, it just came to me one day. Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when I learned Mason was starting dance. I told my mom, and Mason's mom, Kreslie, that I would love to be Mason's helper in his class if he needed it. Kreslie was thankful and thought that was a great idea. However, the first day of dance class, Mason thrived. He caught on very quickly and obviously did not need any extra help. My mom and I decided he would probably do better with out me. 

A few months later Masons dance class was chosen by my mom to perform in a holiday showcase. As I watched him dance I couldn't help but feel a little sad he didn't need my help in class. I was amazed by his interaction in dance an I really wanted to be a part of it. I mentioned this to my mom and told her that maybe I could perform a dance with Mason sometime. "That would be really special" she said "but when would you perform that." I shrugged my shoulders and didn't give it another thought.

It was literally the next day when Kylie told me that as her platform for Ms. Navajo County Outstanding Teen she was going to be hosting a benefits concert variety show for autism. It was like a tender mercy from God, given to me though Kylie. I texted Kreslie that day and told her to ask Mason for me if he would dance with me to "Don't be Shy" by Cat Stevens. After listening to the song, Mason told his mom, "sure." 

After choreographing with Mason I was surprised when Kreslie told my mom that he doesn't touch people. I knew this was common for kids with autism but Mason and I grabbed hands as we lunged, touched palms as we châsed, and held hands as we dance walked. When Mason dances it is like he escapes in to a whole new world where he sees everything in a whole new light. When I dance with him, I see with that light too.

As the night of the show rolled around I couldn't believe how anxious I was. I was worried that Mason would be nervous. I just wanted him to have the same big smile in front of crowd as he did in rehearsal. Most of all, I wanted the audience to be able to see with that same beautiful light Mason and I could see with as we danced.

Mason and I were last, he doesn't usually like being last but I explained that they were saving the best for the end and he liked that. It was finally our turn. Before the curtain opened I reminded Mason to use the whole stage, smile big, and have fun. The music started and we escaped in to our special world. It wasn't until we hit our final pose and the music stopped that I was brought back into reality. As I looked out in to the big audience, I saw every single person, in almost perfect unison, rise up out of their seats. Tears ran down my cheeks and Mason with his hand held high and pointed toe turned his head to ask me, "Are all those people standing for me?" With a smile I softly replied, "Yes Mason, they are."