When I was a teenager, my friends and I took on the ambitious project of organizing a summer camp in our neighborhood. We marched down the sun-baked streets of Texas, distributing home-printed flyers designed to persuade local parents to entrust their kids to us for our Fun in the Sun (FITS) program. Back then, charging $10 a day for a camp held in my backyard was a no-brainer, especially since my mom kept a watchful eye on our activities.
We spent that summer entertaining 25 kids, filming homemade movies on a small camcorder, playing soccer on our sticker-burr-ridden lawn, and racing to finish Popsicles before they dripped down our arms. As summer waned and the back-to-school shopping began, we decided to host a grand “end-of-camp celebration” for the campers and their families. Every detail, from the color of the tablecloths to the massive Jello-filled aquarium centerpiece, was meticulously planned with the kids’ help.
Then, just as the party was about to commence, the skies opened up with a heavy downpour, the kind that brings with it gusty winds and dime-sized raindrops. While most parents rushed to find shelter, one mother stood out. Instead of fleeing indoors, she joyfully danced in the rain with her children, as though an imaginary umbrella shielded them from the chaos. I still remember the sheer delight on her kids’ faces; in that moment, I resolved to be the kind of mom who would dance in the rain one day.
Fast forward 20 years, and I find myself juggling the demands of parenthood as a busy mom to two young girls, ages 5 and 3. One evening after dinner at my parents’, we lingered longer than expected, and as I hurried the girls to the car, my playful five-year-old dashed to the outdoor faucet and turned on the sprinkler. Water shot into the air, creating tiny rainbows, and before I knew it, both girls were twirling around, fully dressed, beneath the spray.
Initially, I was ready to rattle off a list of reasons why they couldn’t play in the water—bedtime was approaching, they weren’t in swimsuits, and the car would get soaked. But then, a thought struck me: “Be the kind of mom who will dance in the rain.” I put down my bag, dashed into the cool mist, and joined my daughters in their unexpected celebration. Their shock quickly turned to joy, and we danced together, creating a perfect moment that I’ll cherish forever.
Of course, life is filled with responsibilities: schedules to follow, people to meet, baths to take, and yes, even glasses of wine to enjoy after a long day. Yet, I’m committed to embracing this mantra: “Be the kind of mom who will dance in the rain.” In a world that often demands structure and order, spontaneity can bring joy and create lasting memories.
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In summary, life’s unpredictable moments can be the most delightful. Embracing spontaneity and joy as a parent not only enriches your own experience but also creates unforgettable memories for your children.
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