Maybe a Musical Number is in Order

I think when most people hear the word, "monsoon," they immediately conjure up images of desperately poor people in south Asian countries walking in water up to their wastes, tugging an ironically uncooperative water buffalo behind them.

Of course, I'm slightly weird: I always think of those 4-hour long films from India, where just before the intermission, the sky pours forth rain and a big musical number follows!

Many people probably don't realize that this time of year we get monsoons in Utah as well. They come in fast - the skies darken as night-black clouds race across, immediately cooling the near 100 (38C) degree temperature. And like a scene befitting the ancient gods, the rain bursts out, pelting the ground.

Almost as quickly as they arrive, the clouds disappear - giving way to summertime blue skies again.

For me, the monsoon that drenched Salt Lake late last night, was typical of my new reality. The deafening claps of thunder, sent a tearful Niko racing into our bed; while a terrorized Gracie simply tried to hide all 85 lbs (39 kilos) of herself.

Although nothing I can do will ever really reassure Gracie - if she's alone during a storm she crams herself under Kelly's desk - there is something very satisfying about seeing Niko almost immediately fall back asleep, feeling completely safe and protected nestled between his dads.

I don't know, maybe next time a monsoon rolls in, we should just take a cue from those Indian movies I secretly enjoy, and simply run outside to perform a snappy musical number!