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.