Bib overalls and carbines

Finally, after 171 days of drought it rained today. There are good days even in the desert. Well, you probably wouldn’t call it rain, it was more like a good sprinkle, but the ground was actually wet. People came running through where I work shouting, “It is raining outside!” “Really?” A large group of us gathered outside, and ran around in the rain like children playing in the spring time. I had forgotten that smell and the feel of moisture in the air. It was wonderful.

Soldiers stopped their armored vehicles, took off their Kevlar helmets, while some even removed their body armor to fully appreciate moment. The whole scene reminded me of the pictures I have seen of the famished farmers during the dust bowl of the 1930s. Suddenly we were no longer dressed in combat uniforms, but worn bib overalls and our M-4 carbines were transformed into farm tools. There we stood looking up at the sky, as though we were in complete wonder.

We probably stood there for 15 minutes looking into the sky. We were hypnotized by the mist of the light rain, the gentle breeze, and the sensation of coolness that was brought about by the whole experience. It occurred to me that you can appreciate life’s most simple pleasures if they are absent for long enough.

Even as we stared into the sky we could not resist the urge to spash in the few puddles that had formed. Afterall, we are all just boys, no matter where we may be.

Today is rained, and for a brief moment we were transported in time to our favorite memories of a summer day filled with laughter, wonder, and peace.

Sadly though, just as our days of innocence ended, so must the rain.

.