Rain, Memory and Magic

It has been raining for quite a bit.

One of the ways I get through tough days—when negative thoughts just won’t let go—is by returning to a pleasant memory. Rain always takes me back to my childhood and the time I spent with my grandma.

🌿 My Grandma Could Feel the Rain

My grandma always knew when it was going to rain.

“I can feel it in my bones,” she’d say.

She had magic in her hands. Whenever she touched the ground, the sweetest oranges, mangoes, sugarcane, plums, and the largest yams would spring forth as if she had called them.

So when my grandmother said it would rain, I believed her. And as if by magic, I would look up at the sky—the dark gray clouds heavy above—and on the horizon, I’d see a misty shower approaching over the Atlantic Ocean.

🌊 The Earth Awakens

The dry, parched earth would steam like a raging kettle as raindrops fell from the weeping clouds.

The smell of wet soil filled the air—a sign of renewal, a cleansing, and a second chance at life.

The river near our house, nearly consumed by the month-long drought, would swell with pride as fresh water and debris poured into its veins.

🍲 The Best Part of Rainy Days

But my favorite part of those days was waking up to the tantalizing aroma of my grandma’s crawfish soup.

Those were some of the best times of my life—warm, comforting, and unforgettable.

💭 A Memory to Hold

I hope you can think of pleasant moments in your own life—not necessarily from childhood, but any moment that brought you joy.

If you’re ever having a bad day, return to a positive memory. Sit in it for a while. Let it hold you. See how you feel.

— MO SPEAX