The husband is self-employed and had a good business going until the pandemic started last year. In March of 2020, he had to shut down operations and did so for six months. In September, he reopened but sales were not the same. But he still managed to make a living and earn enough for himself and us. We even got to tie the knot in the same year. But by June of 2021, we had to close again and finally after a few months of no business, he decided to fully give up the space. The property is not ours so rent expense was a major consideration. Although we had a good lessor, making rent was still a problem and essentially, he was just breaking even since he reopened. We already had a discounted rate upon reopening but with client uncertainty, it would be such a gamble to keep going.
The decision to close was not easy but he had been prepping himself to do so early this year. The rising cases of Covid in our locality just brought that to a head and he knew he had to cut his losses now. I am supporting his decision and I have always tried to help him in whatever ways that I can. Thankfully, he still has money coming in despite our closure. I know he is more saddened than he lets on but I’m grateful that he has finally accepted the reality.
He will be transferring to our property so rent will no longer be an issue. Although it is not such an ideal location as it is away from the city center, it will have to do because of the times. He has also taken to doing home service for select clients so he is not without income or stuff to do. He is very much unlike me who would be content to stay home the whole day. He goes stir crazy if you don’t give him something to do thus this has been his “job” for the last month.
Bureaucracy has kept him from transferring all the fixtures and equipment since he has not gottent he building permit on our property yet. It’s been two months without any approval in sight. Our lessor has been truly understanding and has not pressured us to vacate the premises. He is just waiting for our go signal and for that we are thankful.
I sometimes feel a twinge when I pass by the building. I have slept there many times, cleaned and closed up, fought and made up with the husband, celebrated anniversaries along with so many great memories in the six years we were there. But I guess nothing lasts forever and saying goodbye is inevitable. I am looking forward to what is to come in the future. Despite what they say, there is always something good in goodbye.
Mole on my Foot 