Bomb Pop
Small acts of kindness can last a lifetime.
As a kid growing up I was poor.I lived in the middle of nowhere, almost at the end of a dirt dead end road.
I spent a lot of time alone.No brothers or sisters.I liked it.The woods were my playground.I didn’t have a lot of friends.
One day when I was about twelve I think I rode into town to play.It was a long ride.I met some kids-off to the playground we went.
I felt out of place.They all knew one another.They knew the rules of their self created games.I didn’t.I felt very alone.
Soon the sound of the icecream truck filled the air of this hot summer day.Everyone ran to the parking lot.I followed.
Hordes of kids buying frozen treats.The icecream vendor was a friend’s big brother-his first job I think.
I stood there as the other kids ripped open wrappers.I had no money.
Chris looked at me and asked “What do you want?”
I replied I had no money.Chris smiled.”But what do you want?”
I felt as tall as the sidewalk.”A Bomb Pop” I answered quietly.
He dissapeared into the truck and came back to the window with a Bomb Pop.
“Here buddy ” he said as he handed it to me.
I stood there dumbfounded, a red, white and blue Bomb Pop in hand.He drove off.
I never forgot that small act of kindness.It happened about thirty years ago.
I’ve thought of it often since.Certainly every time I see a Bomb Pop or an ice cream truck.
I’ve also put the lesson shown to me that day into practice.I am kind and giving often to a fault.
Chris really taught me something that day-all for the price of a thirty five cent popsicle.
In a small town in Upstate NY a group of people buried that man yesterday.I took my seven year old daughter with me to the service.
She was a bit upset afterwards-death and dying is tough for a seven year old to grasp.We talked.
I ended up telling her this story .It was the first time I had told anyone, ever.She cried.I cried.
All over a Bomb Pop 30 something years ago and a moment of kindness.
I hope I can teach my daughter the importance of a moment and how it can effect you the rest of your life.
I hope she grows up kind and strong.I hope someday she has a story to tell about me.
Dorothy Venter
A true story with a great lesson. Thanks for sharing it.
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Thank You Dorothy….....
Jennifer Woodward
What a beautiful story. Your daughter has a wonderful father and I’m sure she’ll have plenty of stories to tell. Thank you for sharing :-)
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
I really hope so Jennifer.
Dave Miller
There are still lots of good people around, even if the press always concentrate on the bad. Small events like this help to remind us – thanks for sharing Glenn
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Thanks for taking the time to read it Dave.
Ulrikeart
Never underestimate even the smallest act of kindness; it’s a seed well planted. You are a witness to that fact, sharing the good. Thanks.!!
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Yes-a seed it was….....
rutger
cool story
tonilouise
A beautiful story..Amazing how such a small gesture of kindness can have such a profound and everlasting impact on your life and now the lives of those that read this wonderful recount..Thankyou for sharing….
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
I think we all have these-I hope we do anyway.
Michael Farruggia
wow…..deep story. you even got this hardass holding back salty discharge from my eyes….i said my eyes! Your daughter is truly lucky
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Mike-you might want to edit that-quick-I wont tell anyone.
Maxhamish
Glenn, as a kid in London who struggled a little, I remember moments like the one you have told us of, you are right; they do stay vivid in our memories….Thanks for sharing…..All the best….
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
London or upstate NY-we’re all just people trying to do our best I guess….......
alc04
Thanks for sharing this story with me G-man. It touched my heart and warmed my soul.
DJ Fortune
I’ve been lucky enough to have people like that in my life as well – I’ve never forgotten it and I try to be just as kind. Thanks for sharing this story.
Nixter
This is a wonderful memory that you have shared..thanks…Someone once said “be kinder than necessary, because everyone is fighting their own battles,” it’s good to remember it’s the little things that make a difference.
Peacenpaper
I’m so glad you are here!!! Thanks for telling my niece.
Small things DO mean soooo much. They are always the things
we remember….the small, important things.
All the best to you Glenn!!
You are really a very special person!!
gabryshak
awwwwwwww i love this
♥t
scannermom
It’s amazing how a small gesture to someone can be a wonderful childhood memory that will last forever! This is a wonderful story Glenn, and I’m so sorry for your loss. Victoria’s Grandpa passed last Thursday and it is very hard to explain death to a child. God Bless you and your family!
sugarbear
Thank you for sharing such a personal and touching part of your life.
HeatherTS
what a great thing to share with everyone, maybe you will have created inspiration in others to do the same…i’m going to read this to my 7 and 9 year old children…
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Thank you.The fact that you want to read it to your children is touching-wow.Thanks.
PolarityPhoto
Wow, glenn, this is amazingly crafted. It made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I can relate in so so many ways. Thanks for sharing this anecdote and a reminder that something simple can do so much for a person. I hope to one day touch lives in such a simple but utterly meaningful way.
Stay happy and healthy!
Broderick – Polarity Photo
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
You have a chance at touching someone everyday-and my guess is you probably do, wether you know it or not upon viewing your work sir.
Katherine Ande...
Amazing Glenn. So glad you shared this because this is what life is all about! So I’m going to teach some more munchkins and hope I’m doing the same for them!
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
I bet you will Katherine…....
KMFalcon
Why is it that even when you’ve formed a hard shell that makes it possible to cope with ‘outrageous fortune’ that a story about simple kindness can have such an impact…I cried. I tried not to.
Nicely written
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Because life does that to you?
umauma
Is this not the purpose of Art? To cause one to feel? You’ve done that so beautifully my friend.
LindaR
I am so moved ~ such a wonderful experience you shared ~ clearly the kindness extended that day touched the kind heartedness in you & had it bloom ever since ~ and there in lies the difference…and now you’re “paying it forward” in your life. Thank you for this moment, it was a gift for my day….your daughter is a lucky girl xx
Glenn-Patrick ... replied
Thank you Linda:)