One of my favorite books from childhood is
Alexander and The Magic Mouse, which also happens to be about a big rainstorm that lasts for days. Quite fitting on this soggy day in New York, as we run last minute errands before the predicted "Hurricane Irene" hits.
Forecast by the usually meek and shy magical mouse, the household of animals, and the beautiful old lady who cares for them, brace for the worst by making their preparations beforehand. The main protagonist, Alexander, takes it upon himself to warn the low-lying village across the river, which is inadequately prepared. Having excluded themselves from socializing with the tenants who reside in the house on the hill years prior, out of fear, the villagers are ignorant to the oncoming dangers which await them.
Alexander braves the rivers' raging waters to deliver a warning to the Mayor of the town. He encounters one villager after the next who direct their prejudices towards him by turning away from him. He finally succeeds by handing the message to a little boy, who had stopped to inquire about Alexanders' welfare. After a grueling battle to return home, he falls deeply sick back at the house.
Besides teaching several important life lessons, about bravery in the face of danger and our shared duty towards helping neighbors, Alexander epitomizes courage. By doing what's right, despite all the obstacles and resistances which lie in his path, he becomes noble.
After all, when times get tough and the rain seems like it'll never end, we have to pick ourselves up to carry on with the business of living and caring for one another, even when it's met with derisive scorn. During this tempestuous weekend of weather, be sure to hug your children, family, friends, and loved ones tightly to reassure them that everything's going to be alright, because it will be. Let's ride out the storm together.
