Rain

There was an odd little cloudburst in the wee hours last night. I got up to check it out. After almost 5 months of no rain the smell was intoxicating.

At about 4 in the morning the dry electrical storm that had been forecasted arrived. Explosions of thunder and brilliant lightening that ricocheted around the sky. Occasional huge drops of rain that we initially mistook for hail. But it was just a tease, no real rain materialized. I so long for rain right now. A heavy cleansing rain that washes into every parched corner.

We gathered in the afternoon for Gladys' memorial service. My throat tight with the strain of trying not to cry in the face of the enormous sorrow of my friend and her family – I am there to be comforting, not comforted. Slowly the ceremony took hold of us all. Ever so gradually we were soothed and comforted and peace began to seep in. The ancient words, the profound hymns. The tearful and funny reminisces – because you could not tell Gladys stories without laughing. And finally the confident message of hope and promise from this flock's shepherd – who also knew her and loved her.

And later, elderly church ladies serving coffee and cookies. Intensely but sweetly focused, making sure it was all perfect.

It will be ok.

Soon the rain will come. It always does.