Now we can buy our laundry detergent and batteries at Family Dollar for less. But I ask you where are we supposed to buy our framed pictures of Jesus, Avon right off the shelf (without having to wait for our order), little shoots off the Gardner's snake plants (each potted for only a dollar), or adjustable birthstone rings like the one that my 9-year-old son bought for his girlfriend at Easter? And maybe the service at Gardner's wasn't quite as fast (or as impersonal) as Family Dollar, but who didn't enjoy talking to the Godly Gardners about the weather, what we were planting this year, or the coming of our Lord? Because if nothing else, you'd go away with a healthy dose of "Amen!"
I'm not just picking on Family Dollar. Even larger chains as far as 20 minutes away from us are having an impact on our town. The True Value Hardware is also closing. Our businesses just can't compete with the prices of chains like Lowe's and The Home Depot. We can't compete with their prices, but they can't compete with our service and small-town charm. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be enough these days. Can you go into one those bigger home-improvement stores, sit down, and ask Mr. Doles, John, David, Lynn, Michael or Kevin for 2 pounds of 16-penny nails, a good replacement handle for a well-used hoe, a half-ounce of okra seeds, and a lawnmower belt, and have it all brought to you while you sit and enjoy a drink and a nab?
Obviously we can't do much to slow down progress, but I did want to take just a moment to give everyone in Elm City a chance to bow their heads in prayer and thank God for the good ol' days. May we never forget.
April Hall Reason
Elm City