Dear Thunderstorms,

I don't like all of this teasing. I've been promised a really big summer storm for a while now and you keep backing out at the last second. Sure, we have had one or two thunder booms and maybe a couple strikes of lightning here and there, but it's not enough. Every summer needs a good storm, one where everything around you gets drowned out by the clashing and thrashing. I understand some people are afraid of you, but to me, you are something calming and mesmerizing. The hot, humid days and nights are not worth it without the booms of thunder and the sound of rain hitting the window.

The way everyone frets before the big storm – it really is exciting. And once the storm starts, everyone either covers their eyes and ears or heads straight towards the window to watch the beauty unfold. Of course, I'm one that watches the storm from start to finish. I do not mind when it wakes me up in the middle of the night – who would want to sleep during a thunderstorm anyway? You would miss everything.

During a huge storm, I actually feel safe and relaxed. The cracks of lightning put a lot of people on edge but instead, it takes away my nervousness and anxiety. When a storm is happening, I feel like we are taken from reality even just for a short while. It gives us a chance to enjoy the world and the nature around us. It gives my mind a rest from all the swimming thoughts and lets me focus on only one thing, and that's why I'm never worried during a storm.

All the rain, thunder, and lightning creates a beautiful scene. I always try and snap a picture during a storm, but it never turns out right. I want to capture the beauty because the world is different during a storm – it's simply not the same – and that certain feeling can not be savored or re-created at a different time. It's only during these chaotic movements that I experience the most calm.

All I'm really saying is I need a good thunderstorm to happen soon. I need it for my sanity, and I mean, come on...we're in a drought. We need all the rain we can get. So do not just do it for me, do it for nature too. We both need you. Drop as much rain on us as possible and I will be happy. It has been hot and humid enough, so sorry, but you really have no good excuse.

Of course, do not inflict any permanent damage and do not hurt anything or anyone, but that should be obvious. I'm just asking for a good, lengthy rain storm involving quite a bit of thunder and lightning. Maybe a few that shake the house a little. It would be much appreciated. My weather app says it's supposed to be storming for the next few days, and so you better not just be teasing me again. I will be waiting for the storm. I will be waiting for my break from reality.

- An Anxious Storm-Watcher