Life is like a rainbow - you need both sun and the rain to make its colors appear

Green Rain Boots

Not that I would ever wear rain boots, but today would have been a day for them.

Me - I love the rain.  I love the lightning.  I love the thunder.

I had all of those things today.  Plus some.

I was able to watch children running around, already soaked from head to toe from the rain, who insisted on having a water gun fight.  I was able to hear them giggling as they chased one another down.

I was able to see and hear the adults socializing, telling stories and enjoying one another company.  I was able to see them smile and an enjoy an afternoon with friends.

I was able to see everyone enjoying good food - cooked by some good men.

And for the moments when I ventured out into the rain - I wanted to kick my shoes off and just stand there and soak (haha, no pun intended) it all in.

All though I couldn't eat the food myself.  All though I lacked the energy to run around with the kids.  I had a good day.  I kept my distance from most - not because I didn't want to talk to them - but more so because it is difficult to sit and watch other people eat, when I would love to have a plate full of food in front me.  I also think part of me just didn't want to deal with the questions - of why aren't you eating?  I had a few people who made their way over to me to ask me anyway - people who were checking on me to see how I was - it makes me uncomfortable.

All though I have put out there that I have Gastroparesis - to hopefully help raise awareness - and in part accept and come to terms with what I am dealing with - I am not yet 100% there and comfortable with everything that comes with it.  So settings like today, while I enjoy it, are also somewhat challenging on me mentally.

But I am glad I went - I wouldn't change that for the world.

Oh - and I did have that opportunity to kick my shoes off near the end - walk in the wet grass, feel the water in between my toes, have the rain fall on my face...it was a calming feeling.

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain"

Author Unknown