The Ice Cream Truck – By Shane Pilo

Ok, so here’s a (short) story.

Several years ago, when my older 2 kids were only 3 or 4 or so, they heard the tinkle of a truck playing music as it slowly drove by the park we lived next to. As most curious kids would, they asked what that music was.

My wife and I looked at each other and hesitated. Do we dare? Then she blurted out “Oh, that’s the music truck!”

Crud.

So, for years now (my oldest is 7) they have believe that it’s simply a little truck that drives around and plays music. Now, the area we live in now is different from where we were before, and the “music truck” doesn’t come around much.

So, last night, they hear the tinkle of music and the converstion went something like this:

“Daddy, do you hear that music? Why do they play that pretty music?”

“Yes, dear”

“Why do they play that music?”

“To get your attention, I guess”

“But why do they want to get our attention?”

Pause…..

“I’m afraid to tell you.”

“Why?”

You see, I forgot that those lovely little kids of mine stop asking “What” and start asking “Why”. Ugh.

Finally, I told her. “Hon, here’s the ugly truth. Those trucks are actually called Ice Cream trucks. They place music to get your attention because they want to sell you some ice cream bars.” You should have seen their faces light up.

I felt so guilty I had to share 🙂

Thanks for reading.

P.S. I recently also confessed that I was the tooth fairy. Ouch.