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Any Ice Cream? |
I remember when we were young my mom used to say, " May ,Ray
and Mee , clean the work shed for me tomorrow , I want to turn it into a store room . ...I'll buy you ice cream later! "
So we worked happily and our reward , the much needed ice-cream !
Ice cream, to a child has an irresistible charm, and even to an adult ! Just to lick an ice cream stick on a hot day sends a coldness down your spine all the way to the stomach and linger there for the whole warm afternoon . Moreover there are so many types of ice cream nowadays to cater for all tastes ; such as ice cream with vanilla flavour , chocolate delight , straw berries and even durian flavour , my brother's favourite !
We specially like those with cones . It was a special treat from my mom for special occasions like Christmas , someone's birthday or when a visitor came round.
Can you imagine licking the ice; first working from the top , then the sides , slowly pressing the content down . Then you can relax , no dripping ice down your hand, eat slowly , at the same time nibble the cone bit by bit . Yes, ice cream for me anyday !.
Soon , our neighbourhood expands , more kids are added to each family . It's a jolly place in the afternoon when all gather to play , to kick the ball or to linger around ...with no aim ..
Sometimes I feel like doing something for them..like organize a quiz..or language games such as ..the winds blow..blow what ....blow all the kids with red shirts ..all the girls with no shoes..and so on... .
My favourite game is , ' I spy with my little eyes something beginning with..A..M ..C..D.... " the spelling game .
After all the fun, I always end the day with a treat of ice-cream or banana fritters. .or..red bean soup..But as expected, their favourite is, of , course, ice- cream !
Sooner or later , the kids come to expect such treat after any group activities that I organise . Sometimes I even suspect the real fun of this activity . I seem to see the lost look in their eyes when one day such games end and there's no ice- cream !
In the month of rosary , I write devotionals , say my rosary , and visit the elderly and the sick.
Night comes see me kneeling in front of my bed , facing the window praying .
Some stars twinkle outside the dark sky .I muse to myself, Mother Mary ,I have been good today , any ice cream for me ? "
Agatha Lai
14.05.03
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