All Hallow's Eve...A Shakespearean Night

Double, double toil and trouble
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble...



The witches of Macbeth couldn't have said it better themselves. From one look at the sky it was obvious the spirits of All Hallow's Eve were brewing up a storm. Even the pumpkins were scared...they melted in retreat. This is also what happens when you freeze and thaw jack o' lanterns.

The 30th of October began as a beautiful autumn collage of sunshine, warmth, and tranquility. We had been warned that storms were on the horizon, but what we didn't know was how fierce they would become. A light rain began sprinkling in the afternoon and broke around 5 p.m.; I thought this a good time to embark upon our journey, fingers crossed Xavier would perform well and remember his lines while trick-or-treating. We spent some time practicing our approach, salutations, and grateful goodbyes before we left the house. Our Wolverine was primed and ready to go...or so we thought. We visited the house next door and he hid behind me, uncharacteristically silent and shy for a famous superhero. I realized Xavier would have to warm to the crowd so I gave him a pep talk as we continued our adventure to a couple more neighboring homes. Knowing he was going to receive candy for his efforts, Xavier excitedly ran up to and away from the doors, but again forgot the important speaking parts inbetween.



We made our way to the other side of the block and knocked on our fourth or fifth door. By this time, X-Man was starting to get the hang of things, although he was still timid upon approach. We found ourselves walking down the middle of the street contemplating which home we should approach next when the clouds, thunder, and lightening came rolling in at high speed. A strong gust of canyon wind enveloped us from all sides, impairing our vision and scaring Xavier. He threw his arms around his father's neck, burying his face, and with fear in his voice exclaimed that he wanted to go home. At that moment, the clouds burst and before we knew what hit us, we were the human targets in a tempest of hail. We ran for cover under the closest neighbor's garage eave, but it provided little shelter from the storm. Typically, hail storms in our area last only a few minutes so Thaus and I huddled protectively over Xavier, backsides exposed, hoping we could make a run for it when the hail dissipated. Unfortunately, the pellets of ice continued to beat down upon us for several long minutes, splattering the street, lawns, and houses with a snow-like appearance, leaving me no other option but to laugh at the predicament we had found ourselves in. Xavier was still screaming in terror, and I prayed the ice and wind would stop pelting us long enough that we could make it safely home. Fortunately, one of our neighbors was driving in the neighborhood looking for his son and called to us when he noticed our precarious circumstance. We piled into his car and although I was immensely grateful for his rescue, I felt badly about soaking his microfiber interior. He kindly drove our drenched, beaten selves home so we could dry out and warm up. It is in moments like these that I am always thankful for the generosity of benevolent neighbors and for those who venture into the visceral storms of life to save the one or ones who have become entangled in situations in which there is no retreat. Even when we have been warned of impending storms, there are always those of us who play the odds, and occasionally find ourselves in situations where we become prisoners of the elements and can not escape of our own free will or accord.

We were soaked through all layers of clothing when we walked into the house. After we dried ourselves and feeling returned to our appendages (thank goodness for in-house dryers!), we decided to wait out the storm and if Mother Nature permitted, we would take Xavier to a few more houses when he was calm and ready to venture again. In the meantime, he enjoyed answering the door and handing out treats to his visitors. He was so excited to answer the bell that he would throw open the door and exuberantly proclaim, "Trick or treat? Okaaayyyyy!" His father and I stood in background delighting in his fun. Perhaps we hadn't scarred him for life; as we soon came to see, kids really are resilient!



Xavier faired much better on his return trip to the streets. He ran up to each door, properly saluted his treaters, and graciously thanked them for the goodies. His father followed behind us in the car (in case of another downpour and because he hates being cold); I let X-Man visit as many houses as we could before the frost settled in on our noses and cheeks. I am so proud of my little Wolverine for not letting one poor experience sour the rest of his evening. In spite of the obstacles that threatened adventure, All Hallow's Eve concluded with a bowl full of sweet treats and a heart full of sweet childhood memories.

As a side note... Inbetween candy jaunts, Xavier and I watched the storm from the safety of our front porch, wondering if the rains would ever let up. And just when we thought we would be swept away...



...a rainbow. God's promise that I will not be washed out to sea for my mockery of Mother Superior or for subjecting my child to the beatings of Mother Nature.

Here's to life lessons and the painfully chilly reminder that when begging for candy, you have to be willing to take the tricks along with the treats!

Happy Halloween!