Not the way i pictured it

We are opening the store early this year to help people get basic food.  But the reality is, I am feeling sad about it.  This week a very small staff is working to clean, tidy, stock some shelves and put together a list of "essentials."  Traditionally, opening weekend for me comes with great anticipation ... familiar faces and hopefully new ones, catching up with people on their winter and seeing kids who come to explore and learn!  Instead our minds are considering how do I make sure I avoid direct contact, how do I make this as sterile and informal for people as humanly possible?  To the core of my being that just goes against everything we have worked so hard to make sure we are not.  However, we will do whatever it takes to help people get what they need and be safe and secure doing it!  We will be hopeful that when this does pass, and it will, we can pick up the pieces together and appreciate each other and what we have just a little bit more.  
I have been known to say, "the glass if half empty and it's rotten milk, but we can still make some yummy banana bread!"  So, here we go ... that is how I feel right now.  This is not at all how I want to open our doors for the season.  However, there is something about "presence" and that's what we will be.  We will be present here in your community, present to do our best, present to offer a familiar face and smile, we will be present to open the doors even if we can't offer you a physical hug.  
Please take care of yourselves and those who are literally close to you right now!  Please reach out to those who are at a distance too.  Find something to laugh about and laugh often ... it is OK!  (Need a laugh? Check out Big Dan's or Rohrbach's Facebook for our family food video!).  
Be safe, be well.  
dB