The term petrichor, is not one we hear often in conversation, but everyone has experienced it. Petrichor is the name for the smell that permeates the air after rainfall. It’s a distinct perfume that is difficult to describe and impossible to bottle. It’s no wonder God is responsible for it.
Like many others, I love that smell and the feeling that comes with an impending storm when the sky gets dark and the rain drops start hitting the roof. Rain, a powerful element in this world, means so much to so many. So, here’s the question, what does rain mean to you?
Rain equals green grass to mow, mosquitos hatching in the summer, muddy tires, puddles for play, water for crops to flourish and to maintain rivers, lakes and ponds. It can also spell devastation, like the July 4 flooding Texas experienced. That shows the power water falling from the sky can make on an area and its people, for good and for bad.
The prospect of rain on the horizon is more than just a weather forecast to me. Precipitation events can be few and far between in the High Plains, so these days are special to us, and not only because rain makes our crops and forages grow. It’s more personal for me.
Rain means my farmer husband can come home early—before 9 p.m.—and eat a home cooked meal with his family at a normal dining hour. No reheating leftovers after everyone is already in bed! Additionally, he can relish in this precious time to play with our son, give him a bath and rock him to sleep.
I can’t count how many times my husband has said, “I can go with you, if it rains.” When your life revolves around the farm, a simple rain event can clear up a farmer’s schedule in a heartbeat. It means an impromptu trip to the zoo or unplanned date night in town—luxuries for a farm wife and I never take that time for granted.
I often struggle to fill out wedding RSVPs in advance, because whether I have a date or not all depends on the weather. Needless to say, in my opinion, there’s nothing better than a good old thunderstorm to blow up a farmer’s plans for work—except during wheat harvest that is.
In farming, there never seems to be enough hours in the day and somehow, we are never caught up on spraying, planting, working cattle or maintaining equipment. There is a level of guilt in taking time off the farm when it’s sunny outside, so a rainstorm is Mother Nature’s valid excuse to hang it up for the day and watch the heavens douse the dry earth.
Every raincloud is the possibility for moisture to renew the soil, but also our hearts with the fullness of family time well spent a much needed break for our farmers. Now let it rain!
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
