Tuesday Thoughts.....

Received an e-mail from a Caron's Beach House customer this morning, and I was sharply reminded how fast life can change, and how precious some of those moments really are.   One of the dangers of having a retail "online" store is losing touch with actual people.   One of the goals in writing this blog is for our customers to know that we are real people too, not just an online ordering system, and that we are care about  real life out there beyond cyber land.   We want to keep in mind that our customers are real people, not just an order of pillows, or a lamp, or wine glasses.

This is what one of our customers sent me first thing this morning.... cannot possibly imagine what she's going through in trying to rebuild a home, and take care of all of the details that a sudden, unexpected tornado can completely destroy.

"I received my shippment confirmation last Wednesday, however, I live in Tuscaloosa, AL and that same day, my house was destroyed by the tornado.  I was wondering if you have the tracking information on the package so that I can attempt to locate it and pick it up from UPS, USPS, or FedEx before it is sent back.  Any information you can provide would be much appreciated."


I sent the UPS code right away with this response:

"Ashley,
I am so sorry!  Hope that everyone in your family is okay, what a
frightening situation for you. We cannot possibly imagine what you are
going through.  

Thoughts and prayers are with you"

.......................................................................................................

Please remember these families and communities that 

are in the process of rebuilding and will be affected by the storms in the Southeast for a long time to come

The American Red Cross is a great place to go for 

donating, and for getting up to date information on 

how they are helping in Tuscaloosa.

Here's just one of the press releases that I found this morning on their site: 

Red Cross Teams Up with Tide to Provide Free Laundry Service to Those Affected by Disaster
[Tuscaloosa,] AL, May 2, 2011 – The American Red Cross has teamed up with Tide to bring the Loads of Hope mobile laundry program to areas affected by recent tornadoes. The program will launch in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, May 3, at the University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd East where affected families and individuals may enjoy washing, drying, and folding of clothes—free of charge. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No bedding, jackets, or other large pieces will be accepted.
Tide has learned that little things–like clean clothes–can make a big difference to those who have lost the comforts of home. Recent tornadoes have devastated large parts of Alabama and have forced many residents from their homes, leaving them without basic needs and resources. Tide Loads of Hope is prepared to help relief workers and families whose clothing and personal items have been impacted and to help renew a sense of hope to individuals in need.

The full article can be found here:
http://newsroom.redcross.org/2011/05/03/press-release-red-cross-teams-up-with-tide-to-provide-free-laundry-service-to-those-affected-by-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RedCrossOnlineNewsroom+%28American+Red+Cross+Online+Newsroom%29 






It's so easy to get caught up in own lives, and we are assaulted every day by a constant barrage of media, today I am thinking about Ashley and how I can help in some small way.