The Sound of Ice Cream

I miss the carefree summer days of growing up in New York. And sadly, I regret our children no longer play with the freedom that we once knew. That freedom comes with the fellowship of playing with the neighborhood kids. Of course being in the presence of so many children bought about conflict. Occasionally we’d have a scuffle, but a couple hours later, we’d forgive and forget and play some more.

The highlight of our days involved Mister Softee – the ice cream truck. Hearing the familiar melody serenading our block, summoned us into a panic. We’d run back to our house, call for money from the ground floor of our fort-like built homes. And where was mom? She was always on the top floor at the back of the house. “Ma! Ma! The ice cream truck, can we have some money?”

Sure enough on the days she had a few coins to spare, she’d put them in a paper bag and throw them out of the window. Ah, ghetto style Brooklyn living. I’m not ashamed. Living it built character and taught me that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. You find conveniences and work with what you have.

Certainly, we are not perfect, and neither are our relationships. I believe that is what I learned most about living in our community with so many friends. Not all of us are going to get along at the same time. However, for the most part, no one is going to hold a grudge. For when Mister Softee summons, it means lay it all aside. Run, get your money, chase the truck, enjoy your ice cream and gather with your friends.

Yes, that was the best part. We’d come into a circle of fellowship and cherish our ice cream moments together. Togetherness is what I miss.

In the spirit of summer, I pray we hear the sound of the ice cream truck summoning us to lay aside the differences, accept our imperfections, gather together with family and friends and cherish the ice cream moments. Oh, how sweet it is!

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three - Summer 2014)

(Novel Four - Coming 2014)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

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