The unwavering promise

As he sat reading the forecast a smile formed across his mouth. It was something he had repetitively suggested to the kids, "When the weather gets nice wouldn't it be fun to set up our tent and have a backyard camp out!" The kids were thrilled with this idea and each day they anticipated this grand adventure. But to no one's surprise the rain descended. Each day hopes were dashed and as the disappointment set in, the dream was soon forgotten. Until one day he awoke with something gently touching his face. It was warm, bright; and he eagerly awoke to see that it was the suns ardent caress. Instantly his thoughts turned to that promise he had made before the sun lay dormant and the great rains took over. As the children awoke he replanted the idea in their heads and the long forgotten anticipation soon revived and they all began their preparations.

However, as the day wore on the penetrating sun began to educate him on what the earth and sun can produce after weeks of rain. The air began to fill with the water that once sat in the earth's rich soil. The combination began to dampen his spirit's and his drive to make his promise come to fruition. Yet, he persisted and the tent went up and the children shouted for joy. As night set in they told stories, which generated laughter that rung throughout all the neighborhood. As the little ones finally gave in and sleep filled their eyes, he sat back with a smile on his face and the satisfaction of fulfilling a promise. Within minutes he too drifted off to slumber, however, as the night wore on, he awoke with a start. He found himself lying in what felt like a bed of water. Feeling as if he were drowning he gasped for air. Desperately he reached for his children. As he touched each one he took note that they too were drenched. He knew instantly it wasn't rain, for it was heat that overtook him. He soon realized that it was the moisture from the soil and the humidity that slowly crept into what was supposed to be their protective domicile. Quickly he carried each child into the home and placed them each safely into their dry beds. After all were deposited, he laid himself in bed. His loving wife questioned him as to why their great outdoor adventure only lasted three hours. He patiently took her hand and placed it on his chest. There were no words that needed to be said as she felt his saturated shirt. She smiled as she thought of his promise, that in her mind was fulfilled. He quickly fell back into his peaceful slumber and dreamt of his lesson learned, although a promise should always be kept, logic should play the bigger part.