The news of the tragedies that occurred this past week have affected many people in our area, especially those in the New Richland area.

The story, "Run in the Rain," has always been a favorite of mine. Ironically, it came on my computer as a rerun this past week. As I read the story, I couldn't help but think that sometimes we need to run in the rain.

I shed tears of sadness for my special friends. Please take time to tell your family and friends that you appreciate them and love them. Make time and take the opportunities to make special memories every day. Treasure and remember those precious memories, and take the time to live!

Run In The Rain

A little girl had been shopping with her mother in Wal-Mart. She must have been six years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle-faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside — the kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. 

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. 

I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. 

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, “Mom, let's run through the rain.” 

"What?" Mom asked.

“Let's run through the rain!” she repeated. 

“No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,” Mom replied. 

This young child waited a minute and repeated, “Mom, let's run through the rain.”

“We'll get soaked if we do,” Mom said. 

“No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,” the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. 

“This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?” 

“Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!'”

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. 

Now, some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. 

“Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God lets us get wet, well, maybe we just need washing,” Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. 

They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. 

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. 

To everything there is a reason and a time to every purpose under heaven. 

I hope you still take time to run through the rain.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

I hope that you will share this story with your family and friends and let them know you'll never forget them. If you don't, it means you're in a hurry. Take the time to live!

Keep in touch with your friends — you never know when you'll need each other.

Ironically, my "Whatever Comes To Mind" was to be about rainbows.

I've always had a fascination with rainbows. It is like a promise from God that the storm is over and that everything is going to be all right.

It is like a symbol of happiness, a colorful moment to cherish in our mind and hearts.

Isn't there always a promise of a rainbow after the rain? We just have to look for it.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, July 12th: Daniel Christensen, Kimberly Peterson, Rick Pelzl, Daryl Waltz, Herb & Lori Moon.

• Friday, July 13th: Megan Elizabeth Nowariak, Audrey Lillian Peterson, Marayah Mae Mortenson, Kolette Lageson Stevenson, Brenda Misgen, Sandra Cerney Collins, Joseph Adrian Parks, Ed Nelson, Cynthia Fuerniss, Dick Larson, Amber Anderson, Jean Johnson, Corey & Danielle Wangsness, Jason & Shannon Peterson.

• Saturday, July 14th: Kallen Reed Rasmussen, Gavin Cole Halverson, Sharon Richards Lucas, Annette Hove, Madison Larkin, Dana Simonson, Jeff Kitzer, Jerry Langlie, Lee Cummins, Shane Davis, Peter Kasper, Roger Swearingen, Bethany & Ashley Ashton.

• Sunday, July 15th: Nathan Daniel Wayne, Nathan Joseph Bauers, Levi Peterson, McCoy LaVerne Schwierjohann, Bob Long, Thad Aaseth, Judd Aaseth, Stacy Seath Tempel, Lacinda Jensen, Vicki Utpadel Knudson, David & Kim Killian.

• Monday, July 16th: Sue Stieglbauer, Hudson Mrotz, Kyle Ladlie, Jeff Helmers, Nancy Wilder, Kenny & Sarah Price, Dave & Deb Oeltjenbruns.

• Tuesday, July 17th: Kaylee Christine Hanson, Merton Nelson, Ralph Diaz, Sandi Vangen, Victor Christenson, Larry Molenaar, Leslie Schwartz, Lisa & Bob Wayne, Kristine (Simon) & David Freitas.

• Wednesday, July 18th: Anika Christine McDonald, Nancy Anderson, Matthew DeShane, Katie Dobberstein, Michael Graif, Luke Rye, Roger & Betty Davies, Mark & Mandy Boehme.