When life gives you lemons: Young Spencer duo learns the tricks of the lemonade trade

Published 12:10 am Tuesday, July 16, 2024

SPENCER — On a hot summer day in June, driving around my hometown, I stumbled upon a sight that brought back fond memories of my childhood. As I turned down a familiar street, I couldn’t help but notice a sign that read “lemonade stand.”

Curious, I pulled over and approached the stand. What I saw warmed my heart — two little girls, flushed from the high temperatures, enthusiastically selling homemade lemonade. Their smiles were like a magnet, drawing me towards them.

As I engaged in conversation with the young girls Autumn, 9, Adelaide, 7, and their mother, Laura, I learned that they had been running this lemonade stand for a few hours that day. However, due to the intense heat and a lack of customers, they were about to give up. But in the young words of Autumn, “if you keep trying, you’ll get customers,” as Adelaide followed up saying, “and a lot of money.”

This heartwarming encounter got me thinking about the power of community and the innocence of childhood. In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with negative news and events, it was refreshing to see two young girls spreading joy and positivity in their own small way.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives and overlook the beauty and simplicity around us. But these two girls reminded me that sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big impact. Their lemonade stand not only provided a cool drink on a hot day but also brought a smile to the faces of those who stopped by. As we continued to talk car after car continued to stop even if it was to donate.

Moreover, their initiative and hard work showed that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in the community. I, Mz Good Newz as a community leader, radio manager and personality of WLJZ 107.1 FM (Livingstone College radio station) have committed to acknowledging and highlighting the youth in his/her acts of kindness and well doing.

In a world where children are often portrayed as self-absorbed and disconnected, this lemonade stand was a refreshing reminder that there are still young individuals who care about their community and are willing to take action to make it a better place. It is up to us, as adults, to encourage and support such initiatives and nurture the spirit of volunteering and giving back in our youth.

Stumbling upon this lemonade stand was a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life. I left feeling uplifted and inspired by Laura and those two beautiful young girls, Autumn and Adelaide. Their lemonade stand might have just been a common childlike adventure but the message it conveyed to me was youth, community, kindness and don’t give up.