WHAT IF THEY WERE GONE?

The Things We Take for Granted—Until They're Gone

Life has a way of humbling us. Sometimes, it takes a loss to realize just how much someone—or something—meant to us. I learned this firsthand when I lost my dog, a companion I had for years, always there, always loyal. Her presence was so constant that I stopped noticing the little things: the way she wagged her tail when I walked through the door, the warmth of her body curled up at my feet, the quiet companionship that never asked for anything in return. And then, suddenly, she was gone. The silence she left behind was deafening.

It got me thinking: What else in life do we take for granted? The answer, unfortunately, is often the people around us—especially the employees and team members who keep our small businesses running smoothly every day.

The Employees Who Hold Everything Together

Think about the people in your business who show up every day, putting in the work to make things happen. The ones who handle customer requests, keep inventory in check, troubleshoot issues before they become problems, and make sure every small detail is covered. Whether it’s the employee who knows exactly how to deal with a difficult customer or the one who always stays late to finish a project, they keep the wheels turning without much fanfare.

Like my dog, their presence becomes so routine that we barely notice. We expect them to be there, to perform, to help—but do we ever take a moment to appreciate them? To acknowledge the work they do, the effort they put in, the stress they carry, often without recognition?

The Wake-Up Call

Losing my dog made me realize how easy it is to overlook what’s right in front of us. The same applies to the people who keep our businesses alive. When an employee leaves—whether it’s the trusted manager who has been with you since the beginning or the team member who always goes the extra mile—we suddenly recognize the gap they leave behind. And by then, it’s too late to say, “I appreciate you.”

Taking Action Before It’s Too Late

What if we started appreciating people before they were gone? What if we made a conscious effort to acknowledge the work, the dedication, and the reliability of those who contribute to our success? A simple “thank you” goes a long way. A genuine compliment, a moment of recognition, or even just treating people with kindness can make all the difference.

The loss of my dog reminded me of this truth: we don’t always realize the value of something—or someone—until they’re no longer there. Let’s not wait for that moment. Let’s start appreciating the people around us today, while we still have the chance.