Sadly, it looks like the ending of an era. Perhaps, something can be done to stop the changes, perhaps not. I have read the letter that the Forest Hills powers-that-be sent to the community. I don't really get it, but, I guess business is business, and to paraphrase a quote from a most famous movie, "I don't know nothing about no business." It makes me sad that The Purple Cow may no longer be. Oh, they say that another convenience store will be there, but it won't be The Purple Cow.
Across Otter Creek Road from The Cow is a building. I attended church in that building for years, but just as that building is not my church, so The Granny White Market will no longer be The Purple Cow, because Dan and Debra ARE The Purple Cow.
Dan knows the names of all his customers. He not only knows their names, he knows their stories.....and he remembers them. I cannot count how many times over the years I have been there to buy gas, often saying, "Mr. L will be by later to pay." If he owes you seven cents in change and has no pennies, he will give you a dime. Plenty of times I walked in there without my purse and was a bit short in funds, and Dan would say, "you can bring it later."
I love Sugar Daddy suckers. I mean there was a time when I bought one at The Purple Cow every Sunday and other days as well. Dan made sure he had them. One year he ordered a whole box for Mr. L to give me as a Christmas present. Dan also remembers that I like Bit-o-Honeys, but is always a bit puzzled when I buy those instead of the favored Sugar Daddy.
School children from many schools have for years stopped at The Purple Cow before school for breakfast and after school for a treat. It was a daily occurrence when my children were in pre-school. It has been for many youngsters, now adults, who take their own children there. I know Max will miss "his bench" where he and Fizzy sometimes sit to enjoy an Icee before Max goes home from his Sunday "play date" at our house; a sweet tradition that will not be the same. My Minnesota girls always go by to see Mr. Dan when they visit. They will be profoundly disappointed by his absence, as will many of us.
So many memories of Debra's beautiful face as she greets patrons. We have had many conversations, especially about back pain and surgeries. We have mutual friends. She has a kindness that radiates from her lovely countenance. If the deed is done, and The Purple Cow is no more, I will miss her. We will remain friends on FB and I will keep up with her beloved pets, and her compassion for all living beings. Still, it is not the same as seeing her in the store.
I do not frequent The Cow as often as I once did. Life, it seems, has been taking me in other directions. One thing I know for sure, I will be going there more often in the upcoming weeks. I will eat more Sugar Daddies. I will try to convey to Dan and Debra how they make a difference in the neighborhood, how their place in this big city exudes small-town community. This world could use a whole lot more Purple Cows and Dans and Debras.
If, and I continue to say "if" for I am the eternal optimist, but, if The Purple Cow is taken over by some other store and Dan and Debra are not the proprietors, it may be "convenient" but it will not be our Purple Cow.
For today, I wish you a place of memory-making, a delicious Sugar Daddy, people like Dan and Debra in your lives, and I wish you
Blessings
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