Confusion, discontent, lack of hope, discouragement.
It’s like no one can take a deep, calm breath anymore.
And as I look around, I see another thing that many have in common.
They’re looking for an alternative.
They’re looking for a place that is different than this.
A place that’s not the same harsh, un-giving reality that surrounds them day to day.
A glimmer of something; a way forward.
In part I think that is why I came to my co-op.
And I’ve never left.
As we look around our store let us all realize what we truly have.
What we can be for those who choose to walk through our doors.
Let’s meet them. Let’s know their names.
Let’s celebrate us all for being in a place that can be an alternative.
Let’s not forget, though we’re not perfect in any sense of the word, we’re real and sincere.
We’re a heartbeat in a world that seems to be barely breathing.
Let’s not underestimate what we have to offer people just by being ourselves.
A place not like the others.
It’s so needed and so responded to when we open our hearts and welcome all who are searching for a place to be accepted and seen.
A place working for a different kind of future.
A place where we can all breathe a little easier.