Hi, Everyone…. Stating that this has been the weirdest, craziest month ever would NOT be an understatement.  And I know every one of you feels this way, too.  In all the conversations I’ve had since March, NO ONE could have predicted what our world has been going through over the last few weeks.  And even now, as we prepare to send the May issue to the printer, there is so much uncertainty to even write The View!  Is what I’m saying at this moment even going to be relevant when this comes back from the printer?

Who would have thought that our kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews would be finished with school?  Or at least – school as we know it!  And who knew homeschooling would become our norm?  As far as working from home goes – this has been my normal for years, but I know that for many this is a very different experience.

It has broken my heart to see so many small business owners who have been forced to close their doors as they were designated “non-essential,” especially when we know they ARE essential to the success of our local economy!

And my heart swells with pride and gratitude at those who do serve in those businesses that are defined as essential – the grocery store workers, the gas station attendants, banking employees, postal workers, and of course, the nurses and doctors who are fighting this battle on the front lines.  How will we ever thank them for all they are doing to serve and care for us during this difficult time?

What has really amazed me, though, amid all these challenges, is how so many have adapted in order to meet the needs of their customers, and adjusted in order to keep their employees safe and employed.  We’ve seen creative, outside-the-box thinking and solutions emerge as the spirit of American ingenuity continues to thrive, despite the circumstances.

I can’t help but remember the America post-9/11.  We emerged from that nightmare as a kinder country with a far more patriotic spirit.  Unfortunately, over time, we slipped back into complacency.  It’s my sincere hope that the positive in all of this means that we will emerge (and stay) a kinder, more compassionate, more understanding, more loving people.  No matter what happens in the days and weeks and months ahead, COVID-19 has changed the world.  It’s up to us to make sure the changes grow us and challenge us…. That we don’t let the changes hurt us and destroy the communities and country we love so much.

We are in this together, and we are stronger when we work together.  The magazines have been facing the biggest distribution challenge of our 15 years in business.  We are so thankful to the businesses who continue to let us distribute the magazines and the neighborhood ambassadors who have made it their mission to get the positive words of Forsyth Magazines into the hands of others during our time of quarantine. Our social media team has knocked it out of the park with their out-of-the box thinking and we couldn’t be happier with the results! In addition, we have been posting online exclusive articles almost daily that we continue to get great feedback on. If you haven’t connected with us on social media, please go and check us out. Search Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family magazines on Facebook and @Forsythmags on Instagram.

Thank you for reading.  I always close with a call to support our advertising partners but NEVER has it been more important.  Read their articles.  Share their stories.  Do business with them if you can.  Let them know they are seen.  Show them your support.  It matters now more than ever, and more than words can say.