community

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Fresh Thyme

An unexpected upside to my dance studio shutting down is I can now comfortably return to grocery shopping in-person at a regional market called Fresh Thyme, which is basically a cheaper, local Whole Foods or Sprouts.

I used to show up weekly on Tuesday mornings, when it’s quiet and freshly stocked. The staff is incredibly friendly and we all came to recognize each other by face, if not by name (though I was getting there with a few names.)

I stopped going in-person when I started escaping my office two mornings per week to go to Bloom. I felt guilty taking a third morning away from my desk, so I started shopping primarily via delivery apps.

Today, I went back in-person and was so happy to see those familiar faces. They grinned and said, “Welcome back!”

“Where have you been?”

“What are you looking for? I’m opening new boxes.”

“Those are your kid’s favorite now? That’s an upgrade from the peanut butter snacks he loved before!”

Seriously, he remembered that Taj loves peanut butter pretzels. I had to have asked him about those nearly a year ago!

Even if I don’t make fast friends here in Missouri, familiar faces and ritual smiles of recognition are the next best thing.

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Freedom Isn’t Free…

A while back, I noted the strength and solidarity of the community here when even mass retailers will demonstrate personal support for our troops, who – in a town this small – are also truly their neighbors, customers, and friends.

This past week, I snapped this shot at the same CVS – equally supportive in nature, but a lot more foreboding in the sense that things may not have worked out well for Lt. J. Moore.

There are more signs of loss around here in Holly Ridge. I noticed the flags at half-mast first. Businesses, fire stations, and churches have replaced their advertising with notes of remembrance and prayer for another young service member, Sgt T.J. Butler.

It’s an important reminder – even to myself – that freedom isn’t free. A reminder that I live in an area where someone has to give a family bad news on a regular basis. I take it for granted and live in this bubble, but it’s happening all around us.

They won’t even get a shout out on the national news, but it’s beautiful to see how a community will honor its fallen, and support those they left behind.

Sorry for the downer – but Lt. Moore and Sgt Butler have been on my mind quite a bit lately!