As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. I loveApril; it marks the start of spring, the start of my softball season and the impending end of the school year. However, the constant rain is not always the most convenient as a spring season athlete.

The rain feels like an impending doom when it comes to game time. The school day is spent constantly checking the weather app, hoping to see that 70 percent chance of rain to be pushed back to 6 p.m. or dreading the message from coach that the game has been canceled and practice will be inside.

The worst of it all? Actually playing in the rain. Consistent rain throughout the game means that all the equipment weusethroughoutthegamegetssoaked, and as a catcher, I use a lot of equipment. Nothingbeatshangingyoursoggy glove and helmet in front of the fireplace so it will be dry in time for tomorrow’s game. Not to mention, the rain makes it an incredibly difficult game for our pitchers, or anyone when it comes down to throwing the ball. Anytime the ball merely brushes the wet grass or turf it means pausing the game and changing out the ball for a new one or mentally preparing for a throw. Once that ball is in play you have to take that extra second to get a good grip on the seams of the ball, a second that could cost you an out.

But, oftentimes the beauty of April showers outweighs the inconvenience of it. There’s nothing like curling up with a good book and a cup of tea on a rainy day, or going out and dancing in the rain with your siblings. The lightning and thunder that often come with the rain are almost the best part. Watching the light show is entertaining and waiting for that slow rumble or massive crack of thunder that follows only adds to the experience.

To me, rain always seems the most invigorating when I’m in school. It just feels different to hear rain whip against the windows of the room and hear the storm roll in.

Maybe the best part of the rain is when it’s all over. When you step back outside and can hear the wildlife come out of hiding, the chirps of the birds and the buzzing of insects. There’s that post-rain smell that fills the air and the sun comes out from behind the clouds. If you’re lucky enough you can even look up to find a rainbow shooting across the sky.

As the saying goes, the amount of rain we endure does not disappoint, and May is filled with new and beautiful foliage all thanks to April.