Reflection on the Quiet Comfort of Summer Thunderstorm Sounds

When the Storm Got Real

When I was a child, I remember a stretch of summers when we’d get some serious thunderstorms coming through. We didn’t have air conditioning in our apartment, so we actually wanted the rain sometimes. It gave us a little break from the heat, even though the humidity that came after was no joke. What were we thinking? Anyway, we weren’t just hoping for a sprinkle. We wanted the kind of storm that brought cooler air and unfortunately, that usually meant thunder and lightning too.

After a storm passed, we’d put a box fan in the window to pull in the cool air. That was our version of central air, and it felt refreshing back then. But one day, the storm hit different. It was a bad one, windy and loud. Our apartment was on the end unit, so we had windows everywhere , two big ones that filled the living room and the kitchen area with light.

I was in the living room during that storm, thinking it was just another regular summer thing. Nothing to worry about. Then there was a knock at the door. It was one of Mom’s friends who came in. As soon as Mom shut the door behind him, that big living room window exploded. It sounded like the whole wall had cracked. Glass flew everywhere. I don’t remember anybody screaming, just that sudden silence that comes right after something shocks you. But after the silence came the chaos.

A Little Blood, a Lot of Drama

It was right around then that I felt something dripping down my face. And yep, it was blood. You can imagine how a nine-year-old feels about that. So of course I panicked. I realized I had been hit by some of the glass from the window, and I started crying like the world was ending. Mom rushed over to look at me, and there I was, standing in the middle of the living room yelling, “Can you see my brain? Can you see my brain?” What in the world was wrong with me? Honestly. I mean, it was bad enough to need stitches, but definitely not bad enough for brain exposure. Childhood is wild.

So off we went to the hospital. By the time we got there, I had calmed down a lot. I don’t even remember the doctor stitching me up, but I do remember the ride home.

The Ride Home Stayed With Me

I don’t know why I remember the ride home so clearly, but I do. The rain had let up, but the sky was still heavy. Not nighttime dark, just that thick, gloomy gray that makes it feel like another storm could roll through any minute. That view through the car window stuck with me, like someone framed the moment and tucked it in my memory for later. I don’t remember feeling scared, just quiet. There was this eerie stillness, like the storm had left something behind.

I looked out and saw the local drive-thru movie theater looking torn up. I mean, really destroyed. Could it have been from the storm? I never thought to ask. Might have to call Mom and see if she remembers what happened.

Every now and then, that day creeps back into my mind. And okay, you know I had to look it up. Google is my friend. Turns out, between August 28th and September 8th, there was a hurricane called David. I can’t say for sure, but maybe that’s what stirred up all the mess that day. Who knew?

Learning to Sit with the Storm

After that storm, Mom got a little more cautious. For a while, when a bad thunderstorm rolled in, the second we heard that first crack of thunder, we’d take off. Sometimes it was to a neighbor’s place that didn’t have as many windows, and other times we’d all cram into the utility room, which had no windows at all. That didn’t last forever, but it left a little imprint on how we handled storms.

Funny thing is, it didn’t make me scared of them. If anything, I started to enjoy thunderstorms as I got older. Those summer thunderstorm sounds filled the house and somehow made everything still. We were always told to be quiet during a storm. Were you? I mean, cords were yanked out the walls, lights got turned off, and we just sat there in silence. Listening. Listening to the deep roll of thunder as it came closer and then rumbled right over the house. Every now and then you’d hear the crackle of lightning dancing right along with it.

I still don’t know why we had to be quiet. Did she think the storm could hear us? I’ve always wondered that. And laughed.

Stillness, Then and Now

This brings me to that little reflection I had the other day. I was sitting in my comfortable chair, and we’d been having all these overcast days. You know the ones that tease you. They make you think a real rain is coming, but if anything happens at all, it’s just a short little downpour and then nothing else the rest of the day. No rumble, no rhythm. Just clouds showing off.

So I sat there thinking, what happened to those all-day thunderstorms we used to get? The kind where the thunder rolled in and out like it had nowhere else to be. It’d go from heavy downpours to a steady, peaceful rain, and then back again. I missed it. I needed it. So I prayed, Lord, my mind is a bit cluttered and I could use a break. Just a good summer rain. An early thunderstorm that lingers. Not one of those blink-and-it’s-gone showers, but the kind that hushes the whole house.

And wouldn’t you know it, the very next day, we got one. Not a stormy storm, but just enough to slow things down. The thunder could have been a little louder if I’m honest. But hey, beggars can’t be choosy. I’m always wanting a little more than I get anyway. That’s just me. Haha.

A Little Calm Goes a Long Way

I appreciate y’all sitting down with me. I got more rain stories inside of me. lol. But for now, I’m happy and content. I got my early summer thunderstorm with legit sounds. The real kind. The ones you feel in your chest. But of course, I can always count on my fallback for stress-free calm and a good night’s sleep—YouTube thunderstorms and Alexa’s rain playlist. They may not rattle the windows, but they sure do hush the mind.

Thanks for hanging out with me. I hope you get your own kind of calm this season, however it finds you.

And if you’re the kind of person who loves calm and comfort, I’ve got a dish that brings you both. It’s cheesy, it’s cozy, and it’s been a go-to in my family no matter the season. I know I’ve been talking summer, but good food is all year round—so go ahead and try my tuna casserole. You might just find a little peace in every bite.