When the Storm Met Its Match

Turning Storms into Memories: A Lesson from a Child.

On the evening of July 16, 2022, I joined six friends for a 30-minute pontoon ride across the lake to catch some live music. The night began calm and simple, but as we reached the far shore, dark clouds gathered. Calls from the campsite confirmed what we already sensed: the storm had arrived. With no rain gear, only towels, we made the choice to head back—knowing we were about to be soaked.

The water churned as we pushed off. The moon and stars disappeared behind heavy clouds, replaced only by flashes of lightning that clawed into the lake ahead. Anxiety sat heavy on all of us. What began as a light spray quickly turned into a furious downpour. It felt like a scene from Forrest Gump, when Lt. Dan shouts defiantly at the storm. Rain bullets pounded us without mercy.

At the front of the boat, the captain bore the worst of it—no windshield, no shelter, only grit. It looked as though the storm was throwing everything it had at him, daring him to turn back. But he never faltered. Like a seasoned warrior, he pressed on as if yelling back, “Is that all you’ve got?”

The closer we came to camp, the fiercer the rain grew. Spirits were sinking, everyone bracing against the storm. And then—it happened.

From the shadows came a voice. Small, clear, and piercing through the thunder. The youngest of our group, just 11 years old, began to sing.

At first, it was a sweet, steady melody that cut through the chaos like a beam of light. Then it spread. One by one, the rest of us joined in—singing “Hakuna Matata,” belting out “American Pie.” Laughter followed, and suddenly the storm didn’t feel like an enemy anymore. It was part of the memory we were creating.

What had started as a miserable ride turned into something beautiful. Soaking wet, we weren’t defeated. We were united. And it all began with the voice of a child, reminding us that joy can outshine fear—even in the darkest storm.