March 23, 2020
Monday thoughts and a big change...
A little more than three months ago Amanda moved into my house, she’s on exchange from Denmark and living with us for 4 months. She’s pretty awesome. She does cheer, was about to do track, and thinking about trying out for soccer. It’s fun having a teenager in the house, learning from her and her friends Lucy, Ilaria, and others. They all came over and got ready for the Snowball together, makeup and hair, pictures in the entryway. They do the Snapchat, whatever this Tic Toc is (yes i’m old), playing Mario on the Switch. I’ve learned more about Denmark, and Spain, and Italy from them then I ever thought possible. They are really great great people, and i’m grateful she is here.
Last week, one of her friends was called home by her parents. Life changed, the world changed. Suddenly there is no school for her to attend. No track to focus on. No algebra for her to ask me to try (try!) and help with. Prom, probably not. All of her plans are uprooted and different now.
All of us are suddenly now without a plan, i’m without a plan. Spring break for the high school is gone now. A week in the nation’s capital gone. Everyone who was looking forward to some sunshine in Florida, or a cruise in the Caribbean, a week in Pienza… it’s all gone. I don’t know what to do. What the hell are we supposed to do, when we don’t know what to do?
I know that I’m fortunate, it’s not lost upon me that I’m still open. Three hours a day is better than zero hours a day. I know that come Friday, I will have enough to pay the staff what they have earned plus extra, but I’m not taking a check. Headliners, the barbershops, the movie theater, friends in other restaurants are closed with zero sales coming in the door. How do they pay their team? How do they pay the mortgage, or the electric, hey city of mp… I’m not gonna pay my water bill next month. Please don’t turn me off, but paying Kat and Brandy, Zac and Vince is more important.
What’s going to happen when the order comes for more business to shut down, and thousands are without a paycheck, and thousands are without the ability to pay their bills? I lay awake at 2am thinking about them, their families, the working poor struggling already to get by.
So here’s the plan people, something is changing. I am expanding People Helping People effective today. Anyone who cannot afford a meal, will be provided with one. Just tell us you need a PHP meal, and we have got your back. If you are worried about paying your water bill vs paying for lunch..pay the water bill. We’ve got your back. We are all just people helping people. It’s the right thing to do.
Today’s quote comes from my friend Tina turner:
You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met
I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say.