B3

I have nicknamed one of my favorite stores "B3". The real name of the store is Bed, Bath and Beyond. The first two words are self explanatory. Bed for the bedroom. Bath for the bathroom. But the most important of the three B's is the word Beyond. I think that an alternate B could also be used. Beginnings. A great majority of the people who shop in this store are purchasing items that will become a part of a new beginning in their lives. The first group of people are college students. Especially Freshman. They roam through the store, followed by their parents. Mothers frantically pulling items off the shelves. Fathers, a few paces behind, trying to act patient. A shopping spree, totally funded by the people that love you most. What color sheets, what bathroom accessories. The shopping cart is filled high, not only with items for the dorm room, but with hopes. This is the beginning of independence. Pushing the bird out of the nest and building a new nest, with coordinated colors. The other group of shoppers are the newly engaged couples. Starting a life together. The first big decisions that will be made as a team. Two households blending as one. It is a new education. Learning what the word "Bone" in bone china means. Discovering a thing called "thread count". Putting a list together that sometimes contains totally useless items. They will learn that along the way. This is the beginning of a family. One that will flourish and grow and look forward to the time when they can return to B3 and guide their child into a new beginning.