Magical Memories of a Carport

A carport may not be the stuff of dreams, or even much of anything else, but I actually have a really fond association with them from my childhood. When I was about 9 I lived in Phoenix, AZ and it was hot! We had a small front yard and would have the occasional water fight with Dad. Of course, he got the hose and we kids got a little bucket or something. Getting hit with a stream of cool water out of the hose was our true desire, in spite of the squeals of protest. I remember this one time when my Mom had been watching Dad "pick on the babies" and couldn't take it any longer. Mom to the rescue! She called me into the kitchen where she revealed the most wonderful scheme I'd ever heard.

My job was to go back outside through the carport and into the front yard where I would tell my Dad that he had an important phone call. This was the 70's, so there were no cordless or cell phones that I could just take out to him. So that's what I did. "Dad, Mom says you have a phone call." It was all I could do to contain my excitement, knowing what was about to happen. Dad turned the nozzle so the water was off and started heading through the carport to go into the kitchen. He was still totally dry because my little brother and I hadn't had much success getting our little water bombs to hit him.

I saw my Mom through the window in the side of the house, under the carport cover. As my Dad got close to the door I saw my Mom move stealthily into position, loaded water pitcher in hand. Dad opened the door and took a step to go in when, Wham! Mom nailed him square in the chest with a pitcher full of cold water. The look on his face was priceless. Total shock and awe. Way to go Mom! She had come to her babies rescue and there was nothing Dad could do about it. He just stood there in a stupor as the reality of what had just happened started to sink in. When a smile crossed his face, I knew everything was going to be all right. We all had a good laugh and went back to the front yard to resume our water battle. I have reflected on that memory from time to time through the years, and it always makes me feel good. Who would have known that the carport would be the place for such fun.

That same carport also protected Dad's new car, but we kids didn't care much about that. We were more interested in what the carport could do for us. Since we were little, we didn't need much to make us happy. There were some old pieces of wood leaning against the wall that left a void underneath that we could hide away into. This little spot was the perfect hiding place. Just big enough for me and my brother and sister. The carport also gave us a much needed refuge from the brutal Arizona sun. And sometimes, when the big thunderstorms would roll in, the whole family would gather under the carport and watch the huge rain drops splat down on the hot concrete driveway. I can smell it now just thinking about it. As the thunder and lightning would crack and rumble across the sky, the carport covered us and kept us safe.

So when you buy a carport just remember your kids. You never know what magic might happen there. And always beware of the dreaded you-have-a-phone-call trick.