Back when I was old enough to be dreaming about the future, but young enough that it was still far off, I used to imagine what an idyllic evening in my grown-up life might be like: Lying on the sofa with a fire in the fireplace and soft music in the background. A glass of wine and a good book close at hand. My husband in a chair nearby, and a big, sweet dog asleep on the floor next to me. I’d hear the sound of gentle rain falling outside and, occasionally, a soft rumble of thunder.

As an adult, I’ve experienced all of these things, though never all at the same time. But I thought about this long-ago daydream a few days ago as I stood at the back door, looking out at the rain.

It’s been raining off-and-on for over a week. Enough to inflict cabin fever but not—at least where I live—enough to generate flash floods or other dangerous conditions. More thunderstorms are predicted for next week, however.

Although I’m not a fan of running through torrential downpours on my way between my car and whatever place I need to be, I’ve always enjoyed rainfall and thunderstorms when I could watch them from indoors. I cherish both the calming effect of softly falling rain, and the feeling of electricity in the air as lightning bolts and thunderclaps race across the sky.

I have to admit that I appreciate this rainy spell for reminding me of the very young woman I used to be, and the not-so-young woman I’ve become. It nudged me into looking back and reflecting on everything I’ve done, and everywhere I’ve been. It gave me the satisfaction of acknowledging dreams and goals that I’ve actually achieved in my life, including some that I could never have imagined back then. And it inspired me to look to the future, and start planning for all that I still dream of doing and accomplishing.

As soon as it stops raining.

June 5, 2026
©Betty Liedtke, 2026

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