By Lakelyn Asiago

Bloomington resident

We all know it. We have all seen small signs of it. We are all living it. The “it” which is referred to here is the state of economic hardship this country is currently experiencing.

You would have been in deep hibernation for months to have missed the fluctuating gas prices and the Dow taking a nose dive on a daily basis. The price of every item you purchase has increased. Often items and services have more than doubled in price.

Personally, I think of myself as someone quite aware of my surroundings and the happenings of the world. That was until yesterday when I was brought back to Anderson, Indiana, for a family member’s medical emergency.

Growing up I lived a mere 25 minutes away. The trip was so short in reality yet so long to a child who could not wait to get there.

Even for much of my adult life Anderson was a happening place. Parades, carnivals, movie theaters, restaurants that were classics and the up-and-coming new eateries were enticing to most. Yesterday, however, my eyes were widened as I visited the town that in my heart holds such a tender place. I came into town from Eighth Street Road to Raible Avenue and over to Cross Street en route to Community Hospital.

I was awestruck at how much the hospital interior had changed. As I went through the doors of the main entrance, the beautiful wood floors and new desk simply gleamed. I quickly noticed what was missing seemed to be the smiling faces behind the windows and even the desk. After my loved one was deemed stable, I ventured out for some of Anderson’s premier iced tea and hush puppies.

As I drove, I tried to absorb some of my favorite memories. I relished in delight seeing that the cookie business still stood in that small building and appeared to be going strong. Lots of houses hosted “For Sale” signs in their front yards but overall this part of Anderson seemed to be weathered with age and resilient.

I was sadly disappointed with my jaunt for hush puppies. It seems the one day I am in one of my favorite spots in Indiana, the hush puppy establishment ran out of its famed delicacies. Worse than the lack of my diet splurging ability was the fact that working the counter that day seemed to be two elderly women, who may have once been retired, who seemed exhausted.

Thoughts of the once young, energetic teenagers formerly their wait staff briefly crossed my mind as I settled for the still fabulous iced tea and headed out of town.

Traveling down Broadway headed for 11th Street I began to see signs of distress. As I turned down Nichol Avenue headed for the Edgewood area I fought back tears. Sadly, the scene became bleaker.

Businesses, restaurants, long-standing establishments are completely gone. Some boarded up, others vacant and derelict. One entire business strip stands with all the signs missing from their fronts.

Not just the small businesses. Large chains that once had multiple locations seemed to be stripped of where they once stood. As I continued out of town, I began to reflect upon my day. If anyone is looking for proof that this country is suffering, visiting Anderson, Ind., would provide the proof.