Yes, it's about COVID-19.

There is no point in ignoring the elephant in the room these days. COVID-19.

How my life is affected isn’t any greater or less than most others. Just before the virus was first labeled “pandemic” My oldest son was 10 days into his month long adventure in Japan, my other son packing his bags in Toronto to join him. Rod was refreshed from a family wedding in Mexico in February and the business was ramping up to what was looking to be a record start to the cottage opening season. I had just buried my grandfather, a veteran of WW2 at the beginning of March. I am incredibly thankful that the family got together for his funeral in southern Ontario. Family cried and laughed together and hugged each other. Just in the breath of 2 weeks no one would be able to.

Since IT happened.

We all know how the effects rippled across the country. Very few are unaffected to some degree. Alex finally got home on one of the remaining flights back to the country, Eric cancelled his trip and his courses were prematurely ended. The boys isolated for 26 days at our house while Rod and I lived with my mom. (The only hardship was the choice of which homemade desserts did we want after each meal) Our families and friends were all in good health and found new means to “hangout”. The request was clear, Stay Home.

The business on the other hand was not given much clarity at first. No blame, just little distinction on what was deemed “essential” in the beginning. Our showroom had to close yet we saw our business neighbor allowed to keep their doors open. I completely understand why but the stress left me frustrated. Our work family had to sit tight. Marilyn was due back from a seasonal layoff but I couldn’t afford to pay her. Carol has been doing what she can from home but like Rod and I, working for no pay. Alex hasn’t come back to work since he came back to Canada. Since Rod and I were isolating at home, we may as well isolate in a locked shop and continue to get caught up on spring upholstery projects we collected in the previous fall. Thing is, about half are able to pay for the service that was done. Understandable but doesn’t pay the bills. Gov’t assistance is welcomed and I know that it is constantly evolving but it won’t be enough.

We will come through all this. Battered and slightly weaker but our doors will reopen. Our business has been through so much over the past years. 2 recessions, fire, health issues and family losses just to name a few. We have collected scars along the way but we are also more tenacious, resourceful and determined to open again.

I see our own countrymen start to rally about reopening. I don’t want to be closed anymore than any other business across Canada. BUT WE WILL WAIT. No business is worth a life.

Stay safe everyone, stay home and shop local!