Yesterday, as I stood in the checkout line at the local Dollar General, eavesdropping like a professional conversational spy, I found myself completely engrossed in the animated tales of the woman behind me. She was practically a stand-up comedian, regaling her friend with heartwarming stories about her students. I mean, seriously, who needs Netflix when you have Dollar General checkout entertainment?
"Some of those kiddos were shedding tears today because it's the last day of school. So, to avoid a tiny rebellion, I promised them an ice cream sandwich and now I'm on a covert operation to fulfill my sweet promise," she confessed to her captive audience.
I had a sneaky suspicion that she might be one of the teachers at the school just across the street—the same school that shaped my childhood. Call it detective intuition or just plain nosiness, but I had to confirm my theory. I slyly turned my head and caught a glimpse of her long, flowing blonde hair, sky-high heels (who wears heels in Newville?), and a dress so vibrant it could rival a disco ball. It was like she embodied the spirit of fun and excitement. And lo and behold, her arms were overflowing with what I can only assume were ice cream sandwiches. A frozen treasure trove, if you will. No biggie, just a casual stockpile of frozen delights.
Unable to resist the urge to strike up a conversation with this lively ice cream smuggler, (a woman after my own ice-cream-loving heart!) I mustered the courage to ask the burning question: "Are you, by any chance, a teacher at the school across the street?" To my surprise, she revealed, "Actually, I'm a student counselor."
Realizing the gravity of her "undercover" mission to satisfy the ice cream cravings of her little minions, I decided to play the hero and offered her my spot in line. With a gleeful acceptance, she swiftly took my place at the checkout counter, revealing her secret stash of frozen goodness. And that's when I saw the brand—Klondikes. WHAT?! Those were my father's absolute favorite ice cream bars. It was as if the Spirit conspired to deliver a bittersweet reminder right when I least expected it.
Just the day before, we had commemorated the twenty-second anniversary of my father's passing. Coincidentally (or maybe not so coincidentally), I had recently uploaded a songwriting video on my YouTube channel, delving into the intricate realm of grief and sharing my personal suggestions for navigating it like a seasoned veteran. Talk about perfect timing? It's like God said, "Hey, remember those grief tips you shared? Time to put them into practice!"
In that video, I soft served five practical suggestions for dealing with the whirls and twirls of emotions, even long after bidding farewell to a loved one.
G - Be Gentle: Let yourself indulge in those somber moments. It's okay to have a good cry, trust me.
R - Remember: Dust off those memory banks and relish in the beautiful moments shared with your loved one. Let nostalgia be your guide.
I - Intake: Surround yourself with reminders of their presence—their goofy photos, favorite hangout spots, and of course, their cherished foods. In my dad's case, it's Klondike bars all the way.
E - Embrace: Acknowledge that missing them is part of the journey and embrace the swirl of emotions that come with grief. Embrace those tears, my friend, and let them melt in release.
F - Find Fun: Share hilarious anecdotes and lighthearted memories with your trusted ensemble—a sibling, a parent, a friend, or even a coworker. Laughter, the irresistible topping is the perfect medicine when sprinkled with cherished memories of your loved one.
Speaking of lyrics and ice cream bars, I had a little secret of my own. When I first penned the song "Missing You" as a tribute to my father, I actually included a cheeky reference to his ice cream obsession. Sadly, my producer thought it didn't quite fit the song's vibe, so it ended up on the cutting room floor. But between you and me, those ice cream bars will always be an unsung hero in the first draft of the song.
As I got in my van and drove away from Dollar General, a mischievous urge led me to make a detour to Sheetz. After all, I am my father's daughter, and ice cream runs in my veins. There, I treated myself to a glorious Klondike bar, relishing each creamy bite as a sweet reminder of my father's ever-present spirit in my life. Who knew that a simple trip to the checkout line would turn into a whirlwind of emotions and ice cream adventures? Life truly has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
