It seems so long ago, now. Another lifetime, really.
Our other life, B. C. (Before Corona)
It was before people shunned one another.
When they knew there were dangers in the world, but since they were not new dangers, they really didn’t warrant much attention nor consternation.
All of that changed in the time since. And, it has changed exponentially. Consequently, how we view the world will have changed with it.
Not for long, we all know that.
For no matter what’s new, hot or salacious, it cools quickly and we resume our regularly scheduled lives.
In the mean time, everything’s on hold. In limbo, out to lunch.
Its seems that we are the same, but everything around us has changed.
I know that its not fair, not easy and maybe even, not right, but, (to use the vernacular of a personal, well-know scholar), “It is what it is!”.
I get that people are angry, scared and want to blame someone or some thing, but that is really not the heart of this issue. People feel helpless as this passes over them.
And, pass it shall.
Things are gloomy now, and not necessarily because of the health casualties, but like any other “war”, the fallout is what will be devastating.
It is the amazing people of the many bars and restaurants that I am talking about.
We know all too well how hard they work on any given day or night, and now that many of them are not even getting a chance to work at all. Or earn a paycheck.
Many of them are not even able to do what they do so well, because the businesses that they work at are not able to open. If you’ve read any of my posts you will know what high esteem I hold these people in.
We arrive, we play, we get the glory and we leave for the night.
Meanwhile these hard working folks are there hours before us and leave even longer after. They toil, they work, they hurt and they grind, all to make the customers satisfied. (and we all know how easy that is.)
They are the unsung reason that we are able to sing, and they will be hardest hit by any of this. They have no pensions to fall back on, no 401K and not much of anything other than their undying loyalty to the venues and businesses that employ them.
Carl and I feel for each and every one of them who will be left in the wake. It is going to be tough on everybody, but especially them.
So here is my message going forward: Please, simply consider them.
Think back about some time you were out and having a wonderful night and consider how it happened.
Was the parking lot clean and well-lit?
Were you greeted when you came through the door by a smiling, caring face?
Did they listen to you, take your order and then check back with you to see if you could be better served?
Did the band check in on you and offer to make your evening special or maybe personal?
Did they respect your conversations and not play too loudly or make it all about them?
Did you feel safe, did someone ask your opinion on your experience?
Did you have a wonderful evening in part because of how well these professional people did their jobs?
Remember that when someone is really good at something, they make it look easy, even when it’s not.
So if you can recall an amazing experience you had going out; think about all of those people that made it happen during this extraordinary event, and do something to help their struggles. Give it back – pay it forward, whatever you wish to call it
Reach out, give back and keep them in your thoughts and prayers, because they are hurting, (and you won’t hear about it).
It may be as simple as telling hem how much you appreciate them.
Look at the smiles on the faces in these pictures below.
These people are not just smiling because I am pointing a camera at them. They smile because they came to Bumper’s Landing for a night on the town, were treated with respect, care professionalism.
They all had a wonderful time, and may never realize how much hard work and effort went into it; from the bus boy right up to the owner and his family.
It seems like a million years ago now, that people smiled, shook hands and laughed. If we are to ever get back to those carefree times again, we need to change the way that we act and treat everyone around us.
It will happen.
Believe me when I say that neither the handshake, nor a simple, “Thank you!” will ever go out of style.
Rb
