Apologies for the recent lack of posts. My mom has been hospitalized since the end of September. But I'm jumping back online to share one of the few moments of levity I've experienced during the last two months.
I decided to stop for fast food on my way to the hospital one afternoon. I ordered a sandwich for me, a sandwich for my sister, and a chocolate shake for us to share.
When I pulled ahead to the window, the guy working the drive-thru took my money.
"Here's your food," he said, handing me a bag.
"And your chocolate shake," but he was holding nothing. He simply had his hand extended.
I just looked at him, confused.
"Here's your chocolate shake," he said slyly, moving his hand up and down. And then the joke clicked. He was black, and he was offering me a shake.
Laughing together, we clasped hands in a hearty hello. I didn't get a chance to tell him what it meant to have such a cheerful exchange right at that moment, or how many giggles the story brought to worried, exhausted friends and family. But kudos to the dude in Sioux Falls who served me ice cream in the cleverest way possible and brightened a small corner of my day.