Unfortunately the devastation to world economies and local small businesses has been unthinkable and so many lives lost not just through actual death but through emotional and spiritual assaults on self esteem and well being.

The hope that a vaccine brings is that we can see an end in sight, which is also an end to uncertainty. We need to rise up and find ways to regain and rebuild. Many businesses can’t do this without the people who represent us acting with moral conviction and with speed to generously support small businesses across the country without any political agenda.

These are the businesses that connect us to our community. The people we meet on a regular basis who provide services and in many cases we know about their lives and they know about ours. The restaurants create social environments we so desperately need to balance our heavily weighted digital lifestyles. We work, we play, we shop virtually – however the social experience is so important to our human instincts. The bars, the restaurants, the cafes, and gathering places connect us to our friends and set up meeting places for new friendships as well.

Our local businesses are meaningful for our well being and the need for the human spirit to be part of a community. Our mental health and physical health are entwined and the gyms are a lifeline for so many of us. Houses of worship and meditation centers lift the spirit.

We need to support all of them now. If you can start by giving large tips, ordering take out, and as soon as COVID ends find ways to boost their business and help to get them up and running again.