A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Over the past two months, I have experienced a double whammy. The first, common to us all, is COVID-19. The second was a newly diagnosed case of Ulcerative Colitis, my first ever.

Both of these events have changed my routine dramatically.

Ulcerative Colitis forced me to lose almost 20% of my body weight, and landed me in the hospital for a week.

Upon coming home, my sleep was disrupted, and I ended up sitting in front of the TV at 5:00 in the morning, a time I would be otherwise exercising.

I began watching Squawk Box, and became fascinated by the Bull Run of the Stock Market. Tech companies have been soaring. And Tesla, Amazon, and Apple continue to soar to unimaginable share prices.

But the real World is a different story. My fiance and I drove down restaurant row last Saturday night, and it was a ghost town. Unemployment is at double digits. And small business is getting squeezed.

This is not a political post. No blaming here. But one phone call put what was important to me in focus. 

Yesterday I wanted my favorite diet root beer. I was craving it. I went to the grocery store. They were out of stock.

I came home and called the local soda distributor. A human answered the phone. I told him I wanted to buy a case of my favorite root beer. He was also out of stock. 

And that is where the surprise registered.  He asked me if I would call him back in two weeks.  I was talking to someone who really cared about something I wanted.  I was talking to someone who was genuinely interested in pleasing me.  I was talking with someone who wanted to cultivate a customer.

And I realized that this is why it is important to support small business.  I am willing to pay more for good service.  I am willing to take my business to people and places that really want it.  This is the backbone of our economy, and the place where creativity and freshness shine. 

Small business needs us right now.  I know money is tight for many of us.  But think about your local business next time you have an urge to buy something.  Think about how an experience can give your day a boost, however small.  Think about someone really taking the time, and caring about you.  And consider how appreciative these small business owners will be.C

The movie “Pay It Forward” said a lot about the experience of human connection.  Small businesses need us right now.  Let’s put them on our shoulders for awhile.  It is a worthy endeavor.