This week at Parry Sound Books.

Quiet Monday, fearing for the future of this business. An OK Tuesday, a not bad Wednesday. Hoping for a good Thursday.

I am currently working alone the days the store is open, 10 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. I’m feeling guilty about being closed on Saturdays, though it is the slowest day for sales, and without travelling tourists and campers who come into town on weekends, when most summer residents are enjoying the cottage, it seems the day I can most afford to close.

So much for my plans to be semi-retired and job share during the “off season” months. The month this spring I expected to spend in Newfoundland is not to be. I feel the need for time spent without a mask, and am very fortunate to have the privilege of the life affirming peace I find at my own cottage on Georgian Bay.

During these past two months of closed doors I have acquired some new customers who I have enjoyed getting to know a bit, in these strange times of physical barriers, conversations are sometimes more open than they might have been at one time.

Yesterday I was reduced to tears when a customer expressed the opinion that we will never be able to go back to pre-pandemic life – that we will always be wearing masks. I cannot allow myself to believe that will be the case, and that we might never again be able to share hugs and kisses with not only family, but also with friends. I have to believe we will again enjoy time with friends over meals, with lots of music and laughter.

I am as concerned as anyone that things in our community may get worse before they get better – but I have to believe that life will return to what we once knew, even if it is many months away. There must be hope on the other side of despair. And, so, we carry on.

I have been wearing a mask in the store and am more comfortable if my customers also wear a mask. There have been many busy and generous people in our community who have been making masks to help everyone stay healthy.

We have these masks in the store to give to our customers – so please help yourself to one while shopping and take it with you. To help with this project you may make a donation to WPSHC Auxiliary - Mask Project - Attention Finance Department - 6 Albert Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 3A4

Keep well!

Charlotte Stein, 28 May 2020