Recession takes its toll on local, small business owners.

Sara told me a story about a very nice, Hispanic couple we know who own an automotive shop. We have used their services in the past and they have always done a great job, been very nice and never took financial advantage of their patrons as other automotive establishments have been known to do. These people were cream of the crop; they excelled in what they did and they always took pride in having a very friendly and clean work environment; their shop was immaculate in appearance. One could tell how thankful they were that they were doing well with their business and they always took time to let their employees & customers know how appreciated they (we) all were. Well today, Sara called me to tell me that this couple, due to the current recession, had to drop their business insurance because it was getting to be too costly. Because their sales had dropped, they had to choose to do without certain things. Unfortunately for this couple, they opted out of continuing their business insurance in hopes that things would improve and business would pick up in time for them to renew said insurance. Instead, this couple suffered an awful loss yesterday as a fire broke out and their place of business burned. I am not sure how bad the damages were yet. The couple said that they would rebuild as best as possible. I remember they had two sons, one was getting ready for college and the other one was serving his country in the military and was abroad on a tour of duty. This family had done everything right and because of other people's love of money, other people's greed (aka: the banking system, Wall Street, etc.); they were now suffering for it...another victim of this stupid recession. I was humbled and glad I knew this couple ever more so after I heard what their reaction and comments had been today when the media interviewed them. They said it could have been worse and that they were just glad that no one had been injured or worse. What a class act they are. Many blessings & good Karma to them that they do recover their losses and come back stronger than ever.