It's like the grimmest version of a holiday I can imagine.

Driving through town, there are darkened windows, shuttered doors, open signs flipped to closed so long that dust has begun to gather, parking lots emptied of cars.

Unlike a real holiday, it won't all flip back to normal tomorrow. No one truly knows if we'll ever see “normal” again.

More of us than ever are cutting our shopping down to a minimum and doing whatever ordering we can online.

It's easier and let's face it: The less contact there is, the safer the experts say that we all are.

But I'm learning that behind every empty parking lot may be a surprise. Take the teenager's request to use their newfound down time to paint their bedroom.

I could hardly refuse the deal put forth — they promised to clean their bedroom and keep up with their studies in exchange for permission to bid adieu to colors chosen when they were still in the single digits. Heck, they'd even paint the kitchen and dining room just to keep busy.

The question was where to procure the paint.

Option one: I could call a big box store. They're standing by at the ready to take our money. They're essential.

But if a big box store is essential, then it stands to reason its small, hometown equivalent is essential too.

And if a big box store has shifted to curbside pickup, it stands to reason that a small, hometown equivalent might too.

Enter option two: Callicoon Supply, the place I would normally stock up on paint, brushes, and the like. Why should now be any different?

They took our phone call, filled our order and were helpful and efficient — as they always have been — albeit with an order process that was altered for the pandemic.

They're not alone. While the CVSes of the world are advertising delivery and Lexus wants to sell you a car virtually, many of our small businesses are still “here for us,” making adjustments to the new way of life.

We used them before the pandemic. And we need to use them now if we want them to still be here for us when it's all over.

Not sure if your favorite local shop is essential? Don't know if they've set up a new system for social distancing?

Do something you probably haven't done in awhile: Pick up the phone. Give them a call.

They may have a little good news to shine into this dark time.