Brooklyn Summer 2010

This year the summer months started off with a heat wave. Memorial day found nearly one million people visiting Coney Island. Kris Greg's Grill House was swarmed with customers, non-stop for nearly 12 hours. Soon after came the Mermaid Parade which drew another million people to the beach. This crowd was mostly Manhattan people who love any opportunity to be wild for a day. They also drink premium beer and tip!

Luna Park is now open and has been packed each weekend. Word has it that some of the rides are really fun and well worth the price.

This past weekend was the 4th of July weekend. On Sunday the 4th there was another million or so people visiting Coney Island. The weather was well into the 90's for all three days with a refreshing breeze coming off the beach. This year at the Grill House things seem different. Prices are higher with a hot dog costing $4. Also, there were fewer people spending money this year. Generally there are very long lines with a million people, but this year people brought food from home or went without. I think the reason is that people are poorer and just don't have the money to splurge. People on the boards were also very edgy. There were several fights that broke out during the day yesterday. There was the attempted robbery of the tip jar which was thwarted by the guards that hover around the Grill House in beach clothes. Also, the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest brought excitement when the former champ jumped on the stage and was finally arrested. (Some believe it was staged to gather more publicity for the event). On many occasions single mom's would come to the window trying to buy something for their children and not have enough money to even buy drinks.

Has America turned a corner economically? Coney Island seemed to suggest that we are not the same nation as we once were. In church this morning the reading from the OT was about men choosing who they want as king, or as leaders, or how they want to do their business in complete disregard for God. God is patient. Yet, His supreme plan will be accomplished. Because so many people are distant from the Church, it is really hard for them to see a way out.

The people coming to my counter seemed weary. Many spoke of troubled times. Many have lost faith in our leaders ability to represent goodness and justice. It seemed to be a general feeling on the Boards this year.

Let's put things in perspective... Last week Tuesday a group of us went to the beach to swim. We went to Riis Park where the waves are larger than at Coney Beach. We had a great time swimming and then barbequed hot dogs and hamburgers. We were just finished eating when a police car raced past us on the boardwalk. It was nearly 7pm and the life guards had long since left. Then several other emergency cars raced by. When we walked up on the boardwalk, it became apparent that someone was in trouble. Within a minute or so helicopters arrived releasing divers into the water. 5 minutes turned to 15, then to 25 and then it was certain that someone had lost their life. While you were watching this event unfold, you could not help but wonder how this tragedy would affect their family. Without knowing who had died all sorts of images came to one's mind. As the sun set the search was called off until the next day. When the search resumed the next day we learned that a 14 year old boy had drowned. Scott McLeish of Flatlands had perished at the hands of the powerful rip tide. His dad and other family members waited by the sea the next day in hopes that their son might still be alive. There was no body found. Two days later his lifeless body washed up on the shore. Their worst fears became a reality and their lives would be forever changed.

What is important? Does anyone need to be told what is important? Our world distracts us from what is important. We know our family and friends are to be valued, but we let life place them in second or third place. If because of the economy we have to live a simpler life style, count it as a blessing if causes us to be closer to the ones God has given us to love and serve. Everyone will soon die, but how many of us ever get a chance to live and enjoy life.