The Rain Alarm

The sight of rain causes children in school to panic.

A drop of rain hits the ground and this alarm inside each and every child goes off.

NO RECESS! OH NO! IT’S RAINING!!!

One would assume that it is probably that dramatic,

If not more so.

Perhaps there is a loud noise accompanying this panic alarm.

A noise at a deficit that only children and animals can hear.

Perhaps it sounds like pouring rain.

That can be rather devastating to a child.

Adults can faintly recall the panic that used to set in when the rain alarm went off when they were children.

…

Today, the rain alarm went off.

Every child in class knew the moment the first rain drop hit the ground at almost 10 o clock this morning.

Almost every child looked up at that time.

Most just stared.

Disappointment falling across their faces.

A couple let out whispered “Oh, no’s!”

I was working with one girl. 

She looks up,

“Oh no! Look!” she cries out.

Such sadness in her voice.

“I know, but maybe it will pass!” I try to reassure her.

“Maybe” she is not convinced.

We continue on with what we are doing.

Every so often she glances towards the window with a hopeful look upon her face.

Each time, her head droops back down, the hopeful look vanished.

Many of the children do this.

The disappointment written all over their faces.

I feel that this is when the Rain Plan comes into effect.

Yes.

The Rain Plan.

They decide to get revenge on the rain.

Or something of that effect.

They decide they will act crazy.

They will be louder.

More aggressive.

More talkative.

More giggly.

Until the rain passes.

Whether they believe they are defying the rain.

Or hoping maybe if they act crazy enough we will let them outside despite the rain.

We may never know.

But when the Rain Panic Alarm goes off in children,

It goes off in adults too.

They know what is about to head their way.

We all look longingly at the sky.

We all hope for a break in the rain.

…

Thankfully, today we got that break.