Two years ago during my Leap Year of Firsts, I spent May 5th, 2020 on Cinco de Mayo partaking in Margaritas for lunch, during mid-week at work with a friend who had visited dressed as a taco. We had no work coming in and all of our machines were silent in the midst of our awards industry busy season. May is the busiest month of our year business-wise. We had no business! Our staff was at home making calls as a call center. A few of my callers were in the building, so we embraced and celebrated the insanity of the moment. The highlight was a visit from my friend from another grief stricken company dressed as a human taco. A few very unusual and unexpected firsts in my Leap Year of Firsts. It is good to have friends in times of need.
Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is Spanish for “Fifth of May.” It is an annual celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the victory of a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican force against the larger and better-armed French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans. This made me think of current day Ukraine led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, of a smaller, poorly equipped Ukraine force against the larger and better-armed Soviet army. The heart, determination and leadership of Zelenskyy has been a morale boost for not only the Ukraine people, but the free world at large. Truly inspirational.
Today’s Cinco de Mayo finds us with many current issues to be dealt with in business currently. Our costs continue to rise. Staffing is an issue with many of our suppliers. The supply chain continues to be a big challenge in getting product timely, if at all. But, I try to keep this in perspective. At least we have business. On May 5th, 2020 we did not. I tell anyone who listens that I would rather be dealing with the challenges of the feast, than of the famine. And, I am blessed and forever grateful as opposed to the Ukraine and having to deal with real life and death challenges. Perspective!