Say it Ain't So

My mom has officially retired. When she announced her retirement plans, it was a bittersweet moment. I was excited that she was about to start enjoying life, doing some things she never had the opportunity to do because of her self-employment. I was also a bit sad because her store is an icon in Montrose. It is where I sit for hours and visit with customers and watch in amazement how the little ones grow into adulthood. It is where I grew up and was taught the value of earning an honest living. My sister and I were her employees, so we had to show up for work every weekend. Not only did Flo’s Snack Shop serve as my training facility, it was a family business that had been handed down from my maternal grandparents.

Both of my parents were born and raised in Southeast Arkansas, but like many others, migrated north in search of a better life. My sister and I were born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and spent our early childhood surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. My dad decided he’d had enough of the cold weather and we moved to Montrose in 1978 and it was then that my parents bought/inherited the family business. Flo’s Snack Shop evolved from The North End Café which evolved from Slade’s Grocery. My grandfather, George Slade, was a forward thinking man who believed that self employment was the way to get ahead and get a piece of the American pie. This was evident by watching the business go through many stages as times changed. I guess it is for that reason that I am a bit sad, but not sad enough to carry the torch. I’m quite comfortable working for someone else and the fact that I will get paid regardless of how many kids walk through the library’s doors. My mom and dad have decided to remodel the store and rent it out to people for special events, such as parties. This is great because we have our family reunion coming up in July and the building we’ve rented for the past two is booked the weekend of our event, so we now have an alternate plan. Funny how things work out.

When my parents moved the store next door to their house, there were many neighbors that watched and made sure she was safe. Since that time, Ms. M., Mr. S, Ms. K and Ms D. have passed on and nowadays people just don’t have the concern for others. She has stated how blessed she has been throughout the years that no physical harm has come her way and it is time to let it go. I can understand that. I miss Flo’s Snack Shop, but hey, I have many memories.