CLINTON — Doug Graves has been under the weather lately, his store, Graves’ Stationers, closed since Sept. 11.  But, he reported he’s feeling better and plans to reopen on Oct. 26.

While someone’s personal health is usually considered a private matter, Doug isn’t shy about what laid him low, and he said he was glad it’s over.

“I had the virus,” Doug said.  “I was in BroMenn for 17 days.”

Doug said he was better but still didn’t have much energy.  On this day, he was in his store doing some work to get ready for opening later in October.

“The reason I haven’t opened any sooner is because of that,” he said.  “When I walk through the door, I go straight to the back.  I’m out of gas.”

Doug will have some help at the store when he reopens.

“I’m going to wait, which gives me another week to get ready.”

Doug said he felt better, but he also could tell someone what it felt like to go through coronavirus.

“A couple of times, I wasn’t sure,” Doug said.  “Right before I got this, I was thinking, ‘surely this thing is about over’.”

Doug said he thought at that point the country about had the virus under control.

“But, of course, we didn’t, and I found out that we didn’t.”

Doug said initially he went to Warner Hospital before transferring to BroMenn.  He said he appreciated having Warner in town.

“I was glad to have a place (locally) to go,” he said.  “It could have been a difference in me still being here or not.”

He now is about ready to reopen on Monday and said he will be happy to see his customers again.  The store is ready for the season with a lot of nice fall items, Doug said.  And, they still ship UPS packages.

“We’re back open, and we’re hoping people will stop by and see us.”