My wife and I have called Grimes home for the past 17 years. During this time, we've come to realize that Grimes is a blend of transplants and people who’ve lived here their entire lives. One thing that binds us all together? Cliché phrases. Maybe that’s a stretch, but if you grew up in a small town, you’ve definitely heard a good cliché or two in your lifetime.

Here are a few of my favorites: “Call me whatever you want, just don’t call me late for dinner,” “You couldn’t hit water if you fell out of a boat,” “The early bird gets the worm,” “Nothing that’s free is worth having,” “I’d rather be lucky than good,” and “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” And that’s just the start—this list could “go on for days,” and there are plenty more that didn’t make the cut.

One of the most common clichés this time of year is “April showers bring May flowers.” We've all heard it a million times, but I couldn't help myself—I spent too much time looking up its origin. It dates back to 1610 in a poem by English poet Thomas Tusser, which read, “Sweet April showers, do spring May flowers.” Over time, it was shortened to the version we know today. So, how does this phrase relate to Grimes?

Grimes is experiencing a boom, with numerous construction projects popping up across the city. The investment from both public and private sectors is hard to miss. In fact, Grimes is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Construction is a clear sign of progress, investment, and growth. But as with any expansion, there are growing pains. While today’s construction showers may be inconvenient, the May flowers—figuratively speaking—will be well worth the temporary headaches.

So, as we navigate the growing pains of development, let’s keep in mind the old saying: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”