My Reflection

Getting the December entry done before the clock runs out on 2023. December has been an eventful month. Surprisingly, sales were good. While most retail stores experience stronger sales revenue in December, I had two events that went south so I was not expecting much. December sales were better than the last three months combined.

The real stressor was in my family. My mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This was a tremendous blow to my family. She needs frequent doctor visits, is handling a new medication regime, and will need a procedure in January. Most of December was spent making sure my mother had what she needed medically. Secondly, I focused on making sure my family had a relaxing Christmas with lots of love and great memories. According to my mom, the mission was accomplished.

The stars aligned beautifully for a meaningful event amidst all the chaos. The bookstore was able to host its very first author event. We hosted a reading and book signing. The books was Mi Papá es un Agrícola/My Father the Farmworker by Roman Perez. We did this at a school in Salinas, CA. My mother was raised in the Central Coast of California close to Salinas. She also worked the fields at one time in her life and her father was a campesino. Being able to gift her a signed copy of the book felt magical. The book was written with such love, care and dignity. These traits are fundamental to Reflections Bookstore and what I hope to share with my community.