Unsung Heroes

I take a few things for granted. Each night my wife will be next to me while I sleep. Reaching another birthday means a few more gray hairs. Every week someone tries to sell me new gutters right from my front porch. These things occur regularly in my life. It is common for me to take people for granted as well. Certain individuals in the service industry meet our needs yet most never give them a second thought.

Eventually every car gets dirty. Many car wash establishments require the driver to get out and hand over the reigns to an employee. As the car goes through the cleaning process it is vacuumed, washed and dried. There are machines that do half the work but people handle the detailed areas manually. Payment is handed over at the end but tipping is optional. It is assumed that the workers will always do a decent job but they deserve to know that their work is appreciated.

Waitstaff are in a similar situation. No matter whether a tip is left by the patron, or how large it is, the government gets a flat percentage in taxes. Good service is by no means guaranteed. If the food is not up to one's standards or arrives late the server gets blamed. The kitchen staff have control over how and when the food is prepared. Waiters do their best to please the diner, the kitchen and management all at the same time. They are human beings after all.

Mailing letters seems passe' in our world of rapid email. Bills and catalogs still arrive each week in our mailboxes. Letter carriers are rarely seen but their delivery six days a week is expected nonetheless. It is a thankless job. Rainy days are no fun for anyone. No matter what the weatherman predicts every mail carrier must make their appointed rounds. When a friend or family member says they sent us something we expect it to arrive. We know just whom we should thank.

As painful as it is to think about emergencies do occur. Our taxes pay for public services that help during these times. Just because someone dials 911 does not guarantee that all will be well. Some of the most difficult careers are that of policeman and fireman. Complaining abounds when we get a ticket but these same people protect us as well. A kind word goes a long way. Even better is voting yes for the next millage proposal to retain these vital services.

There must be others that deserve to be recognized. I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to assuming people in service industries will meet my needs. Paying people for what they provide is just a start. Saying thank you or being kind in some way is just as important as remuneration. A tip is nice. A handshake is better. Just using a person's first name in conversation makes them feel better about themselves. I hope that next time we will remember to look someone directly in their eyes while we wear a smile on our face.