Submitted by Mary Cox, Alpharetta, GA

It was perhaps our most anticipated 4th of July as we were to celebrate the nation’s birthday while visiting Washington, DC. We debated about joining the crowds along the Mall grounds but decided to look for the perfect fireworks viewing location closer to Arlington Cemetery. There were decreasing chances of rain in the weather report and besides, the sky looked clear in the vicinity of the White House which we could see from our apartment balcony.

Trying to arrive no more than an hour before the fireworks were scheduled to begin, we leisurely boarded the train and were soon walking along Memorial Bridge to find the best view possible to include the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The area was flooded with people but we managed to land a clear spot on the grass and the view before us seemed promising. We felt good about our accomplishment and we began to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Keeping our eyes on the skyline before us as we walked had kept us “in the dark” about the literal darkness that was closing in behind us. We had packed light, bringing only two beach towels for our family of five to sit on while we waited for the show to begin. I guess it was our middle daughter who noticed it first. She had stood to play “pass” with her dad using her tennis shoe, then quickly said with a rather discouraged look on her face, “Uh-oh!” We turned to look in the direction she was peering and had the same response ourselves. It was not a matter of minutes before we, and the thousands of people around us, took shelter with whatever was nearby to protect us from the downpour. My husband and I huddled with our girls on the one beach towel and made a tent over our heads with the other, envying the families who had thought to bring umbrellas, ponchos, and even canopies. Well, of course we would wait it out and this mother’s heart was warmed by the sweet looks we were receiving from those scurrying by which said, “Now that’s a close-knit family”. We however, had no idea that “waiting it out” was going to involve remaining under this makeshift shelter for more that an hour in what seemed to be rains of the monsoon type. After about ten minutes, the effect on each of us from this special bonding opportunity was beginning to show its ugly face. We heard complaints and whining from the girls and my husband and I were silently questioning the other’s wisdom in venturing out without preparing for this type of situation.

I felt an almost urgent tap on my back and someone hurriedly said, “We are just sitting in the car on the curb. You can use these umbrellas!” We turned to see a 20-something year old young man dash to return to his refuge in a black sports car with his friends. Needless to say, we were thrilled and felt a great sense of relief knowing we could now brave the storm (well, it was not an actual storm, we aren’t quite that irresponsible with our children). We stayed tight atop the one towel, tilting and finagling the practically intertwined umbrellas. We were pretty wet but the word, “soaked” didn’t exactly describe us either. The Washington Monument with its two small red blinking lights at the top kept us entertained as it often appeared like an alien stepping out of the surrounding dark clouds. We tried to convince the girls that our backs were drenched too and then we would try to be sensitive so as to not let any one person continually be below the water that seemed to accumulate on top of the umbrellas, and with the slightest move, dump down one someone’s arm or leg. We were grateful but the conditions were still less than desirable. We kept saying to ourselves, “But how often in your lifetime do you get to see such a fireworks display?”

After an hour, the area was nearly cleared out and just minutes before the show was to begin, the black car joined the ranks of those giving up hope of a clear view in the sky and we could faintly hear them say as they drove off, “Just keep the umbrellas!”

Now we knew true gratefulness! Not only were we impressed by their generosity, but in a world where many young people appear to think of themselves first and only, it gave me hope that this generation now maturing will be able to rise above our poor expectations. I whispered a blessing for those kids!

It may not seem that these young people made much of a sacrifice, but the next time they are caught in the rain without shelter, I hope they won’t regret their act of kindness towards this poorly prepared family!

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