Mr. Softee came yesterday; it was really Ms. Softee, but a sign that not only had decent spring weather finally arrived–having waited until the month of May to do so–but the pandemic was far enough along that ice cream trucks can resume operations. A sign on the side of the vehicle assured visitors that employees would be tested for high temperature and sent home if they appear sick before starting their shift, along with the usual guidelines and precautions for the staff and visitors alike.
When I got my vanilla cone (a mechanical problem deprived them of chocolate), I could not see the smile behind the mask, but I knew it was there. She was glad to be back at work, and I was happy to have her back. I smiled behind my mask, and I think we both got it.
The experience of the ice cream truck was a light after days of dreary weather and anxiety about when things would begin to get back to normal. Though the state is still awaiting better hospitalization and death figures, soon it will be time for cautious adventures outside of home again. Open air recreation seems to be the priority, followed by limited crowd control in restaurants and such. A friend of mine is a librarian, so I know she has been out of work for a month and hope for good news there soon.
So far I have been deprived of seven in-person writers group meetings, two musicals in Philadelphia, one movie on hold, and an opera in New York. Who knows if we will ever feel totally comfortable sitting in a theater or large sports venue again? Some studies say it will be two years before we can call this virus over (if not eradicated), and we cannot be sure how summer will alter the spread or containment.
The best we can do is adjust ourselves to be less contagious. Those of us who practice good hygiene should continue, and those with questionable habits should get with the program. There is no excuse not to wash hands or carry a tissue. Since toilet paper is reappearing on store shelves, that is not an excuse, either.
We often live our lives by what we see. We could not see this virus’ affect on our lives, but we should all be over our ignorance now, and be ready to see some pleasant things.
Like ice cream trucks.
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