Desert in the West

Rain in The Desert

 

     It wasn’t perhaps until I was overseas, on a small Caribbean island that I could say I truly adored my upbringing as an Arizona youngster. I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit other states on many occasions and for over two years; I experienced life in a foreign country. I chuckle as the memories come back to my mind rather frequently- “Read, Where is Arizona? Is it near New York?” “No,” I would always reply, “it’s actually far from New York, I guess you could say it’s like a desert in the West.” “Does it ever rain in the desert?” They always had to ask. In retrospect, it was always in those moments that I realized how happy I was as a child in my Arizona hometown.

 

     It’s hard not to find peace in such a special atmosphere. It seems like we often times wonder about who we would be without certain circumstances, which were presented in each of our lives. Looking back now, I never realized the special ambience I was a part of or the incredible history that precedes all of us who call this great state home. A native of Mesa all my life, I have come to appreciate hard work and loyalty to a community. My experiences here in Mesa have changed my life and I will always remember learning to appreciate the small things that we enjoy on a daily basis. The sunset in August around 6:50 PM is always more beautiful here in the Valley of the Sun. You can’t beat the peaceful echoes of the Verde River swishing through the low canyon bends or the glassy face of the Saguaro Lake that smiles invitingly in any season of the year.

 

     I have always been curious as to how we have so much here in the Valley of the Sun when the early pioneers only stumbled upon a barren desert. After about a hundred years of backbreaking effort, thousands of Arizonans hang their hats here in Mesa. Here you can sense the ‘footsteps of giants’ that once walked hundreds of miles with their families and pushed all that they had along the way to arrive here in this valley. Our canals, roads, and much of the early hydroelectric innovations can be accredited to those who sacrificed years of sweat, blood and tears. Mesa is truly a miracle in the desert. I feel obligated to continue the dream that was once started here over a century ago. After so much has been done, on behalf of these future generations, I get a sense of pride and gratitude for what I am a part of. I can say “this is Mesa, this is my home.”

 

      Arizona’s history is rich in Legends of America’s Old West. It was here that great Indian chiefs Geronimo and Cochise stood tall and led their people against the frontier men. Arizona played home to some of the most veritable Western classics including the most famous shootout in all the west; the gunfight at the OK Corral. From past to present the history of Arizona exudes a panorama of heroes and legends that will always live on. Brave men and women who established a state in which millions now call their own. It is the second fastest growing state in the United States. The name “Arizona” is believed to come from the Aztec Indian word “arizuma” which translated means “silver-bearing”. Since 1540, visitors from near and far alike have been attracted and fascinated by these western skies and gorgeous desert landscapes. Whether searching for the seven cities of gold or just a tranquil setting, many have arrived and continue to come and be part of what is truly an American epic.

 

     I can never forget the experiences that have taught me so much as a young man here in Arizona. As I now remember the times, children and adults would ask me “Does it ever rain in Arizona? Does it ever rain in the desert?” I smile because nowhere else can you find the smell of the Arizona rain in July. The way the desert rain just causes your entire body and mind to relax until after it passes by. As the clouds move on to greet other destinations one can watch from a window (but it’s always much better outside) as the summer sun smiles again and the rays of light fall through one by one. I could only smile and just say, “Yeah, it rains a little here and there.”