OH

On Saturday, the boys and I went downtown for a little wandering. And tacos.

We brought a small glass milk bottle, signed and tied a special little note to it, and piled into my car. For a few minutes we were afraid our downtown flower shop had gone under. Fortunately, it just moved to the corner. A lady and her baby showed us the small selection of roses. We found one stem with three red blooms… one for each of us.

We walked the back way to the shop. Through the Christmas crowds and past the carousel. The creek was clean and clear. We made our way down the corridor where we’d spent countless afternoons, pausing in front of the shop. We left our token in the little tiled angle to the right of the front door. Just under where James keeps the letter board in the window. Dad, We love and miss you forever.

I remember last December visiting the new store that had just gone in. James had been coaching his buddy on the pros and cons of the space. His friend had just opened Larder Market, a bricks-and-mortar version of their local meat subscription service. I was so grateful to see this beautiful retail space. The cabinetry had been painted a mossy green. And the shelves were filled with all manner of culinary indulgences.

A few months ago, I found myself in the same corridor on a particularly emotional morning. The space was empty, filled with the dribs and drabs of a fallen business. Open and shut in less than a year. And while I’m sad to see it abandoned, it made me proud. Proud of James and his vision. Proud of the friends he made and the impact he has. Proud of the beautiful business he ran for four years.

On the last day of November, Andre texted me. Some may remember that Andre took James to the beach during his last week, and sent him his last text message. Andre was asking if he could name his new business Office Hours.

How fast can I type ‘yes’ through tears?

On December first I found myself at a coffee shop on the same street and asked if I could stop by for a tour. It’s a beautiful new co-working space, filled with local businesses. There is coffee in the entry and plants on the wall. The open areas are filled with big wooden tables and sunshine. And in the center of the building, Andre is building out his dream cafe. The glass door already has Office Hours in new gold lettering.