Conversations with the Cleaner

It is now spring. One thing that means is that it is time to put away some of our heavier blankets. This forced me to take one of the blankets to the cleaners about two weeks ago, you know, before things got crazy in the world. We wanted this garment, a garment that will not fit in our washing machine, to be properly cleaned before putting it away for the foreseeable months.

Today was the day I decided to finally go pick this thing up. On the rare occasion when I head to the cleaners, it is typically a two minute transaction. In and out. Today was a little different.

I was the only customer in the establishment and there was also only one employee. She was an older lady, about to turn 70 in fact. She would not mind me saying, as she was the one who brought it up. She even seemed slightly proud of that fact, and I can’t blame her. She struck up a conversation, something I wish I were better at, and it quickly turned to the recent lack of work due to the scare surrounding the coronavirus.

She discussed how their work had decreased significantly over the previous week and that her boss has taken notice. According to her, he has stated that he is doing everything in his power to keep the store open to customers, up and running, but she was worried. She admitted that she understood the dilemma he was facing of taking in less business while still paying out the same salaries. She said she was even willing to take a few days off and let things calm down, a sort of mini-vacation. But at the same time, she mentioned that a month with no work would be extremely detrimental to both her and her husband. Her husband is 72 and doing odd jobs to keep things above water. Those odd jobs are drying up in the past two weeks.

She kept saying the same thing: “we just need to hang on a little longer.” I have to say, I agree with her. This was an eye-opening experience for me as it is the first encounter I have had with someone truly impacted by this crisis, not just those rushing the grocery store shelves for some reason. She seemed truly concerned, and truly at risk. 

I did my best to let her know, in my opinion, that we will all be ok. I didn’t want to be too sappy about it, because I honestly meant it. I believe it. 

So, today, this thing finally hit home a little more. I see the struggles that others are facing due to this event. I understand a little better now. Instead of just reading about the troubles that small businesses, and their workers, are facing, I felt it today. It struck me.

She said something as I left that will stay with me. She said, in a friendly way, “we will be here for you, stick with us”.

Think about that. Do your best today.

-Houston Bailey (@BumpBailey)