Every Little Thing, By April Jeppson

After our float had finished its turn in the parade, a small group of us started the walk back toward downtown. Upon reaching the splash pad, I noticed food trucks sitting up on the hill. You know when people are lost in the desert and they see a palm tree and water, but it’s just a mirage? Yeah, I was having one of those moments.

I didn’t even get to my float until almost 5:30 p.m., and I was still waiting in the heat for an hour before it was our turn to walk. At one point my 5-year-old looks at me and says, “Mom, it’s hard to breathe!” I had no idea what she was talking about until I realized she was trying to explain the concept of humidity. To which I immediately agreed and then got her some water. Yes, sweetie, it is hard to breathe today.

I’m one of the odd ones who would rather be in the parade than watch it. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching the dance team, the marching band and seeing all the decorated floats. But, oh, my butt! Sitting for that long is hard, and I get antsy. I’m usually sitting on the curb, so don’t get me started about my childhood fear of a Shriner running over my toes.

I was with the Albert Lea Gymnastics Club float. I held a heavier-than-it-looks megaphone and blew a whistle to direct our gymnasts when to switch activities. I was not only walking and waving but also yelling and directing the entire time. Oh, and I had to keep tabs on my two girls who joined me. I gave it my all, and I was beat. As they say in sports, I left everything on the field. Or in this case, I left everything on Bridge and Fountain.

So here we are walking back, just north of the splash pad, when I look up and see this mirage of food trucks. I know Albert Lea has some, but I missed the memo that they’d be here after the parade. My original plan was to walk a little further and get picked up. I immediately called my husband and told him there was a change in plans. Girls were getting some food.

Apparently God knew about the food trucks because I felt prompted to put a $20 in my sports bra before I left the house. Don’t judge me, my outfit didn’t have pockets, and when the Lord prompts me, I listen. And thank the Lord for that $20 bill. Each of our distinct taste buds where able to get satisfied in that one parking lot. A Bahn Mi, Bruno’s corn dog and a hamburger with handcut fries from Nel’s.

Can we just talk for a moment about how amazing it is that I can order a Bahn Mi in this town? I remember an episode of Anthony Bourdains show where he was traveling around the globe, and he described this sandwhich. I thought, someday I’m going to try one of those. Some day I’ll travel far enough where I’ll be able to order this unique Vietnamese sandwich. Well, I got one in Albert Lea from Peppered Cow, and it was delish!

I love that our town has food trucks. I love the variety of food they bring and the atmosphere they create. Gyro’s, snow cones, Cuban sandwiches, popcorn, cheese curds, giant pickles, corn dogs. So many people gathered together enjoying food and just shooting the breeze until their food was ready. I ran into co-workers, my neighbor and some littles from my kids’ school. It was the perfect end to our parade route. And it just felt so much like summer. I’m happy it wasn’t just a mirage.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams.