Depression Support Group

Well, there are a few dozen more people in Texas City who think I'm a loon. I am, of course, but they have made up their minds on the barest of evidence!

It was raining when I came out of the grocery store and people were huddled around the door staring at the downpour as if it were acid instead of water. One woman had taken several plastic grocery bags and fashioned galoshes, a purse cover, and rain hat. Talk about looking like a bag lady!

I marched right past them, because I had been waiting all day for this. It was time for my Gene Kelly number. I went out in the rain, kicked up my heels (quite a sight for a fat man), and diddy-bopped over to the car, placed my groceries in the trunk, and then – I danced!

The Gods opened the valve and doubled the downpour, and I just danced and splashed around in the parking lot as people stared at me. As I worked my way near the curb one woman screamed at me, asking what was I doing?

I stopped, bowed to her and said, “I am thinking the Gods for the rain. When someone gives me a gift, I thank them, either by word or by deed. This is how I thank the Gods for rain – by dancing in it.”

This where things got amusing and then sad. Several attached kids, standing with their stay-at-home moms or caregiver grandparents, decided to join in the merry making and shook off adult hands. Now there six of us cavorting in the rain. This lasted all of fifteen seconds before frightened adults braved the rain to retrieve their young ones. Some proceeded to cars, some went back to the cover. I heard the words: pagan, crazy, and whip you til you can't walk.

I have no objection to the first word, little objection to the second, but where is the sin in living in the moment or practicing a little child-like abandon – especially for children?

I hope those poor kids won't be punished when they get home, but even more I hope they learn a little joie d'vivre and practice it in their lives – even if they have to hide it.


(Note: All this coming from a guy who normally walks around like Eeyore.)
Posted on 08/20/08, 05:08 pm