Customers and friends...

Well, I have returned to the Frozen North.

Ater a fantastic thanksgiving weekend in Reno, I was trapped last night in the Philadelphia airport, grounded by a bad snowstorm somewhere between the east coast and home. I was put on a plane to Chicago at six a.m. today, and, after more waiting around, secured a flight to Minneapolis. I immediately drove home... I had to work at five.

Exhausted and cranky (I also quit smoking this weekend) I got to work just in time. After checking in with everyone, I checked my email. There was one from my general manager with "Chris and Mary"* in the subject line. As they are two of our favorite and most frequent regulars, I was curious to read:

Jane called today. Just to let everyone know, Chris and Mary lost their baby. The next time you see them please do not mention it. Thank you.

I was, quite simply, devastated. The uncharactaristic brevity from my GM told me she felt the same way. Chris and Mary have been trying to conceive for some time now, and were overjoyed a month ago when they found out they had... We celebrated with them, cried with them, bought gifts and talked baby showers...

As much joy as this gave all of us, this news will grieve us more.

And now I wonder... Have we crossed a line somewhere?

Should I, as their friendly neighborhood bartender, be so damned upset about this?

Have we blurred the line between customers and friends?

If we have, is it wrong to have done so?

I have thinking to do...

*Names changed because- well, just because.