# Summary

In Crown Point, Indiana, businesses display hopeful messages during challenging times, fostering a sense of community and optimism.

# Abstract

The article captures a moment of positivity and solidarity in Crown Point, Indiana, where local businesses have adorned their windows with encouraging signs amidst a period of uncertainty. The author, Chris, on a drive to his ex's place to care for his son, notices these messages of hope and resilience. Interactions with city workers and observing locals maintaining social distancing while engaging in community life, further reinforce the collective spirit and optimism. The article emphasizes the importance of such reassurances for both moral support and good business practice, concluding with a personal note of well-wishes and the author's diverse career background.

# Opinions

- The author views the signs as more than just marketing, seeing them as genuine expressions of care and unity.
- The smiling city workers are perceived as a beacon of happiness, contributing to the author's positive outlook.
- The author appreciates the human contact, even if it's just through smiles and greetings, while being mindful of social distancing.
- The author reflects on the duality of the season, recognizing that coughing could be due to allergies rather than illness, showcasing empathy and understanding.
- The article conveys a strong belief in the power of community and collective action during trying times.

“It’s Going To Be Okay”

Signs of hope on businesses at the courthouse square

“We’ve got this. Pray & wait .” Sign on a business window in Crown Point, Indiana, Photo by Chris (author).

Positive signs on the square

I was driving from my apartment to my ex’s place to watch my son while he is off from school. On the way, I spotted a sign in a business window. I didn’t get a chance to read it driving by at 30 MPH, so I circled around the square and parked.

As I parked, a city truck pulled up. I asked if it was okay to take some pictures. The worker said sure. He was working on some lighting in the city’s business district.

He asked me if I was going to take a picture of the sign in the business’ window. I said it had caught my eye and I wanted to get some pictures. He gave me a thumbs up and smiled.

His coworker pulled up in a city pickup truck hopped out. He saw me taking pictures of the sign and told me where there were others. Both workers were smiling. I was smiling.

There was a moment of apprehension — I didn’t want anyone to get too close. But, they were smiling and glad to be working on city projects. I felt happier seeing them smiling.

Coffee houses are open

“Were all in this together,” sign at Cafe Fresco. Photo by Chris (author).

The local coffee shops are selling coffee to go. They also have signs. As I was rounding the downtown business district, I saw two people sitting outside of the old courthouse on a wall along the sidewalk. Their bikes were next to them. They were chatting and drinking cups of coffee.

I also saw a group of people walking on the sidewalk. I said “hello” and everyone smiled. I still had the thought in my mind to maintain my social distancing, but it was nice to have human contact from smiling townsfolk.

“This too shall pass,” sign on Sip Coffee Shop. Photo by Chris (author).

I saw someone cough into a handkerchief

It’s allergy season, so people get allergy symptoms this time of the year as trees and flowers start to grow after a long gray winter.

I had pulled up in front of another business — parking is easy these days when most people are inside — and spotted a man walking in my direction coughing or sneezing. I stayed in my car and let him pass by. My first thought was, I hope he isn’t sick.

Then, I remember, it’s allergy and hay fever season.

“It’s going to be okay.” Photo by Chris (author).

Signs of optimism are reassuring

It’s good marketing to remind people that business owners are thinking about them and are concerned. It’s also part of being a good human being.

It makes me happy to feel like we’re all on the same team.

“We’re all in this together.”

— Cafe Fresco

Blessings to everyone. Health, happiness, and love to you. 💗

Chris Hedges earned a BA in journalism and political science from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a JD from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana. I enjoy photography. I’m retired from a career in debtor/creditor law — I collected debts, then helped consumers by filing their bankruptcy cases (which was more personally satisfying). I’ve done a lot of other things also: I’ve worked at a grocery store, factory, driven a truck, and helped the post office one Christmas.