Intersections

We all know them, intersections where people meet, become friends, and sometimes family. I work in such a place. To some, it may seem a place of good food, a refuge where one can obtain a sweet, frozen treat on a hot day. To me, it is a place where I have found value again as a human, where I am needed, and I have found a new family there.

We are a unique bunch.

My Russia-obsessed comrade, who delights me with his knowledge of facts, and his wit, delightfully profound for someone so young. He is imposing in size, but sweet, and you know this if you look in his eyes. He's also good for moving heavy things, and sweet-talking an aging ice cream machine, or co-worker.

My youngest fan, who reminds me daily of how I struggled to become a woman, from a child, as I changed, and the world changed around me. A beautiful woman-child whose entire life lays before her. We must save the world, for her, and others like her. We owe it to them, this new generation of hopeful.

Our resident soccer player, who reminds me not to complain about my aging feet, as she stands tall on hers, once broken, now healing. A sweet girl, once too shy to speak to me, for she must have felt unworthy. She was wrong about this, for I am simply an older version of her. She has validated my worth, reminded me of how my contributions touch and touched others, at a time when I have nearly lost everything. In time, I have revealed my wounds to her, and it is in this way that we become real and human, to others.

The college bound high school graduate, who has restored my faith in the work ethic of the young. She wipes the counters clean, sweeps the colored decorettes (the official name for rainbow sprinkles),all the while dreaming of the days before her, as she charts the remainder of her life. She is uncertain, and while she may fail at times, she will grow from this, as we all do. I predict her successes will outweigh her failures, and she will open many a door with her beautiful smile and radiance.

The experienced twist maker, whose cones are perfect, far better than mine, who is patient as I learn the closing procedures, and soak myself with the evil sprayer in the dish washing sink. She will adapt to my bizarre sense of humor, and already I see myself in her, in her rare “Cat” moments.

The milkshake making man, the son of a single mom, who is proof that some men become good because they begin good. If your ice cream maker explodes, he is the man to call. Never stop smiling, or making me laugh. I so enjoy the hours I spend with you. Your “situations,” while heart-pounding, are manageable. I will always know to keep Bandaids on hand.

And then there is the walking work of art, tattooed, but more gentle than he'd admit, patient with my floundering, as I adjust to a new career, serving food to those happy, and those not. I am still searching for Abba's greatest hits for you, my friend. I promise it will be under your tree on Christmas morning.

And, our fearless leader, who is beautiful, even when she thinks she's not, and far more courageous than she knows. Our ringleader, a hero in my book, offering a job to a forgotten misfit, like me. She believes I am better than I think, in this time when I remain a bit broken by all that has come before. My scars are much likes hers. They are simply lines on a map of a journey that is our lives.

She knows this is a stop along the roadway, as I become what I have always known I would be.

Johnny Depp's wife.

Oh, right. We're talking about reality here.....

Okay. Okay.

I am a writer, a messenger, one destined to remind the world about joy in simplicity, and how tragedy, no matter how ugly, is sometimes beautiful in its aftermath. I accept how I differ from others, this unique, childlike woman who adores cats, dogs, the ocean, our walk-in cooler, and a perfectly made banana split.

While I have not become an overnight sensation, as I was once sure I'd be, when I was filled with optimism and vodka, I now realize how lucky I am.

Had I fast tracked to fame, I'd have missed this intersection and the opportunity to become part of this zany family, in the tiny building in upstate New York, part of a small miracle we call Big Dipper 2.

You should come see us. Our food is wonderful and, needless to say, so is our family.........

Plug us into your GPS. We're at 1167 Conklin Road, Conklin. You'll either end up with a great meal or frozen treat, or in the ghettos of Newark, New Jersey. Some GPS devices are tricky that way.