I have talked to other business owners that are also asking “What can I do”. Bates County is made up of mainly small businesses so I want to reach out a request… First responders have carried a HUGE amount of this weight the past few days in our community. I want to put out there that we will offer free food, comfort food, drinks, whatever is needed to first responders, family members, or anyone directly carrying the weight of this tragedy. I also want to invite any other business that would like to share on here (I don’t care if you are considered a competitor or not, that does not matter right now) anything you are offering as well.
If you need a coffee, sandwich, or some ice cream then we want to invite you in Tuesday & Wednesday for a free meal.
The last few days have been extra heavy for Bates County, Mo. Butler in particular. As I filter through the news feeds with a heavy heart for everyone involved, I also realize how beautiful our community is. We are Bates County. When tragedy strikes, someone needs something or if there is a super heavy burden, the citizens around tend to have the initial response of “what can I do to help?”
If you are like me and have been asking this exact question that I know most around here are asking themselves, I also want to point out that we are a praying community. You don’t have to like it or even agree with it but it’s what we do. We are the type to show up as a stranger to a stranger and offer a hug, handshake, and prayer all in one single movement. There is nothing you can say to a victim or first responder to change what is in motion but there is something powerful about praying for them. Pray for peace. Pray for comfort. Pray for honest and truthful answers in the investigations. Pray for first responders that can never unsee what they see on the daily and keep stored in their minds while continuing to do their jobs serving our community.
While I can only imagine but not truly fathom the weight of this emotional rollercoaster, I can say that one of the things I see (and makes me proud to be a Bates County citizen) is the way the people show up. We have our differences, strong political viewpoints, and complaints about each other because we are such a tight knit community. But when there is a need, Bates County SHOWS. UP.
It's a place where we will
- pray for you even if you are a stranger (we don’t care)
- we will offer you a place to stay
- you will give you a hug even if you aren’t a hugger
- we reach out asking how you are doing – prepare for 4,243,478 social media messages because it will happen!
- we will bring you food and encourage self-care at a time of loss and high emotions
- we ask “how can I help?” so many times it practically enters a number into infinity
- community groups will start to pour in at overwhelming numbers asking the previous question and doing the previous items listed
- Bates County citizens have a true desire to carry some of that burden in heavy moments. We look for ways to pick someone up when they don’t have the strength to stand.
- barriers and disagreements are set aside in an instant and everyone is suddenly on the same team regardless of what township they live in, what school they went to, or who they voted for. None of that will matters anymore.
The thing is, unless you have experienced living somewhere else, you think this is normal. This is rare!!! Bates County is very special. So, if you are scrolling Facebook or any other media outlet wondering the same thing most are in this moment…. “What can I do?” please remember that the biggest and best thing you can do is pray.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Byrds Pecan Delights, Adrian MO
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