Vendor Poetry & Writing

My Thoughts on the Pandemic

By Jason T.

I was told life’s just a race,

A game to see who will win.

We fight and scratch to get ahead, And to reach Heaven without our sins. Life’s measure of success, most will say,

Is wealth and status gained. But in the final end, we all must die,

And lose all we have attained. Why don’t we enjoy the riches we have,

God’s oceans, his earth and the sky? No! In our rushes for fortune and fame,

We allow these things to slip on by.

Why can’t we just sit on a misty shore, Listening to the distant thundering waves?

This single trek in search of success,

Has made us all its varied slaves!

Social Butterfly Has Her Wings Clipped

BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

In the past few weeks life has been anything but “normal.” I’m sure you all can relate to that.

First, there was the tornado on March 3 that ravaged the Hermitage area where I live, which made it difficult for me to get out and about as I normally would.

Just when I was able to reestablish some kind of routine, on April 2, Gov. Bill Lee issued a “Safer at Home” order because of the coronavirus outbreak. Life, which had already slowed down considerably — spring break began two days early, fewer people were out, etc. — now came to a screeching halt.

For someone like me who thrives on social interactions with others this has been just plain torture!

I’ve often told many of my customers that when their windows come down it’s like being plugged into an electric outlet. I get a sudden surge of energy that gives me a boost, a voice inside that says you can do this, and it’s been proven true time and time again thanks to all of you!

Now it’s as though someone has cut the cord. I am disconnected, and I feel lost, confused and unable to function. Many times I’m even struggling to remember what day of the week it is. It’s as though a vital lifeline has been severed. It is every bit as crippling and debilitating as my cerebral palsy is.

Compounding the problem, I’m NOT tech savvy and don’t have much of a presence on social media.

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my family, but I desperately miss “my people” on my corner. They help me provide for my family and myself.

By now, I know you’re probably thinking it’s all about the money, but it’s SO much more than that.

Yes, the money helps the ends meet in the middle, but a hot cup of coffee or a cold bottle of water can be equally satisfying at the right time. Similarly, when I’m hungry and someone comes by with food it really hits the spot.

Or it could be clothes — like gloves or a hat when it’s cold, or a big floppy sun hat to help protect me from skin cancer, or maybe the clothes are for my daughter or my granddaughter.

Then there’s always the words of care and concern and encouragement “keep up the good work”, or “it’s so nice to see you out here, I’ve been missing you,” or my personal favorite, “how’s the grand babies doing?”

You can’t put a monetary value on things like that. They’re priceless!

Never underestimate the good you do for the vendors, no matter how big or small your gift, they are ALL appreciated!

I look forward to the day when I can once again spread my wings and fly (that is IF I remember how). I can’t wait to stand on my corner and proudly give your paper to you, in person. But that will have to wait until this ‘“Safer at Home” order is lifted. Until then, please know I think of you every day and you’re in my prayers. Until then, Stay Home and Stay Safe.