Jean’s place had a better day today than Sunday or Monday, it was apparent in Kelsie’s face, although she concedes she goes up and down a lot. What is becoming apparent is that many people want Jean’s to survive, but the restaurant wasn’t built on take-out alone.

They need to re-open in a few weeks or they will have some tough decisions to make. Several local restaurants have shut down rather than try to survive on take-out alone.

It’s been tough watching them on an emotional roller-coaster, one tens of millions of small business owners in America are on.

The big corporations have platoons of high-priced lawyers and lobbyists who can get senators – even presidents – on the phone.

Businesses like Jean’s place don’t have lobbyists and lawyers to call; they face mountains of red tape and years of struggle if they are lucky. They are scrambling to try to survive, living in great fear and even sadness.

The politicians are talking about lifting many business restrictions in the next few weeks, that might come in time to save Jean’s. For all of us, this is a time of high emotion, Maria, and I feel it acutely.

I was touched by this message I got this morning from A—- in California. I love how she grasps the awful and the wonderful, and I think having a good cry from time to time is a great idea. I am proud and humbled to see my blog is helpful to her.

“Jon, as I worked from home this morning, I was listening to Ave Maria op 52 no 6 (I find it soothing and grounding). I had a few minutes to scan my favorite blogs before a conference call with my co-workers. I saw the photo of you and Ellen and the pure emotion emanating from it, and I began to sob uncontrollably. I’ve been holding it together these last weeks, staying sane and as objective as possible, but that photo pushed me over the edge. My tears were long overdue. I cried for everything awful and everything wonderful that’s happened over the last weeks, and it was therapeutic and cleansing. I’m pulling myself together now for my conference call, but I wanted to say thank you SO much for all you do.”

Thanks to you, A—, it means a great deal to me to read this. I wish you peace and safety.