10 Years Grateful

I go back ten (short-long) years and think of the months it took to open our little shop on the corner.  My son Koel, going to OU at the time, came home at some point, and with his sheepish grin, took a piece of chalk to our board outside the shop that read, “Opening Soon” and added  “ish” to the end of “Soon”(ish).  

Just like any novice voyage, there were parts of the journey Kendra and I had not foreseen.  With the support of many loved ones, we plotted ahead with no real charting…and not enough of almost everything: experience, capital, inventory for starters. 

But, on August 25, 2011, when she and I opened our door, the local community was there to support us.  As a matter of fact, there were two gals who made purchases before we even cracked the door (thank you Rae and Robin). 

There have been many blessings over these years.  Around us came other small businesses.   (Honestly, we were anxious at first when others started sprouting up - but I got clear-headed, by the Grace of God, on the bounty available for all us.)  So, around the corner came Georgie Emerson, then Sticks and Stones and eventually Leander, Harris Lane, Molly’s Stichery, Orchids and Ivy and Nom Nom Nom…  (Not to mention all the great restaurants and Fantasy Cupcake that were here ahead of us.)

And the friendships flourished…Between customers, vendors, fellow merchants, the community and beyond.

When Kendra’s family continued to grow (along with her talents), Bruna, my cousin - sister really,  stepped in to take the burden off and add her retail expertise to the shop.  Then came Jackie, who added her, “It’s never done until it’s over-done” enthusiasm to every set.  And Rae (yep the same Rae as in the first customer)  lends a helping hand whenever we fall short - and Debi - another retail dynamo - assists Jackie when her “Over-doing” needs more over-done.  And then our handy-men extraordinaire, Dick, Bill and Koel lending their talents whenever and wherever needed. 

I go to gratitude all around.  To the Good Lord who provides, for a husband who supports (in many ways), to a daughter who was gifted with talents that I have the privilege to bear witness to, to my other children, their spouses and their children, to family, friends and to our customers - new and seasoned.  Blessed friendships have formed through the business and through One For the Cupboard (our daily Lenten walk to the food pantry - thank you Penny,  Jill, Rebekah, Bev, and Melissa for your many days of walking - and to all the others gracious enough to share their time.)  There is no other way to say it but “Thank You.” - one and all.   

We are 10 Years Grateful…