Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Thursday, April 9, 2015

More Than Just Lemonade

It’s looking like spring here in Edmonton.
I don’t want to say that too loudly, just in case the powers-that-be are listening . . .
But I just saw the first sign. A lemonade stand. A brother and sister. Little budding entrepreneurs smiling hopefully at everyone who passed.
They were doing a brisk business.
My son, who lives on the West coast, also saw his first stand of the season, though it’s probably not as unique in early April on Vancouver Island as it is here in the frozen north.
Moving on . . .
Said son was lamenting because he wasn’t carrying cash when he spotted the stand and thus wasn’t able to offer any monetary support.
“I hate to not give them anything,” he told me.
I was surprised, not because he isn’t known for his generosity, but because he was so upset about it.
Then he explained:
It turns out that he had been operating a lemonade stand in his distant youth. I’m sure I had something to do with it, though the details are a lot fuzzier for me than for him.
Picture it, if you will. Little eight-year-old dwarfed by the table before him, flanked by paper cups, too-large pitcher of sparkling yellow juice but armed with a big grin and tons of enthusiasm. A large, hand-printed card is prominently displayed. ‘Lemonade: 25¢’.
A construction worker approached and asked for a glass. It was carefully poured and handed over. The man produced a five-dollar bill and passed it to the small boy, who promptly produced his little cash box and started to count.
“Never mind,” the man said. “Keep the change.” Smiling, he left.
Leaving his little server staring at the bill, an incredulous – but happy – smile now covering his face.
That small boy never forgot that act of generosity.
And now, every chance he gets, he pays it forward.
 Lemonade 25¢

14 comments:

  1. That is so sweet. Than man probably didn't realize what a legacy he was leaving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true. I think that could probably be said of all of us.

      Delete
  2. Awwwwww ... I simply love this story. Love it! We never know how far-reaching a simple kindness may be.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A reminder that those small acts of kindness can have long lasting consequences. My boys had many lemonade stands when they were younger - such a fond memory.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For so many it's the first foray into the world of the entrepreneur. So glad my son had such a memorable experience!

      Delete
  4. Lovely. I like that man -- and I like the man your son became.

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lemonade stands aren't something you see out here in Australia. Seems our kids aren't as entrepreneurial as yours. Or maybe they are but in different ways. I certainly don't recall doing anything of a selling nature when I was a kid, I was too busy (lazy?) reading books and climbing trees.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mmm . . . sounds like paradise to me. I never got to have a stand, either. We were too far out of town.

      Delete
  6. What a sweet story Diane! I remember having Lemonade stands when I was young too. There is nothing like seeing young kids trying their best to be "adults" for just a little bit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can just see little Rena with her lemonade stand. Sooo cute! :)

      Delete
  7. No lemonade stands here this year yet - or at least none that I have seen. I have fond memories of a neighbor who invited my kids to set up a lemonade stand the day she held a yard sale. Lots of customers - and the added bonus of some fun toys my neighbor decided were better suited to give my children than be sold. We have both moved - and miss her dearly. Off to give her a call right now...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are some amazing people in our lives, aren't there?!

      Delete

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