Listen now (9 min) | Press play to listen to Dan Rather read this essay. We can feel a warm glow of hope, a hope that comes with spring and a real sense, based on daily data, that this deadly pandemic might be dissipating, at least in the United States. A statement like this deserves its caveats. We need to make sure that people continue to get vaccinated, and that the vaccine is distributed equitably. We need to make sure that the rest of the world has access to vaccines. It is the humane thing to do, and it’s also in our own self-interest. As long as there are Covid hotspots, there will be the potential for new, deadlier variants and reintroduction. But all that being said, this light is real. This joy is real. These hopes and dreams are real.
For fifteen (15) years I worked as a landscaper for a SF Bay Area school district - and I generally loved that job. I had a great boss, made good friends in our workshop, actually gained some respect from educators and parents…even some of the young folk told me that they appreciated my efforts to make their school brighter, more colorful. The downside was ugly; as a group, landscapers were damned when we made made too much noise, then damned again when the schools became weed-choked because we couldn’t use our equipment. I’ve had scalding hot coffee, cold sodas, cigarette butts tossed at me by irate parents who were asked to move so that school buses could park in their assigned areas, had faculty members scream at me, damn me for actually being at their school. Finally, my fellow high school landscapers and I were informed that rather than see the bloated bureaucracy be reduced in scale that we would see our workload doubled - I went from servicing one school and 32 acres to two high schools and 65 acres. Not one worker was thanked for their labors, their efforts, and not one lived without injury ranging from irreversible joint damage to mental collapse.
When I had my 1st bone marrow transplant 5years ago I appreciated the cleaning staff so much. Having no immune system germs could be deadly, also with me being so sick I am sure cleaning my bathroom was not pleasant. As I started feeling better I would ask them about their day and families. Such kind loving people, when I was discharged I wrote each one a thank you note with a nice sized tip. My former career was a cashier in a grocery store, I understand how people can become “ invisible” to others, just there to serve them.
The pandemic has opened my eyes to those around me who keep our world going day after day in the most dangerous and stressful circumstances. I would particularly like to recognize my Schwan's delivery man who comes twice a month bringing me the products I ordered along with his good humor and can-do attitude. Thank you John. I would also like to thank Ben who cuts my lawn every week and never misses a mow--rain or shine. The Instacart delivery folks who bring my groceries every time I order, again with good humor and great efficiency. Wonderful personal shoppers. These fine people and many others have kept my life going during Covid19 with all its dangers and stresses. And last, the tech at Kroger's Little Clinic who gave my 14-year-old granddaughter her first Pfizer shot yesterday and did it so skillfully that she came home amazed that it didn't hurt at all. Thank you all.
So many have sacrificed for the greater good. Teachers and students, parents and grandparents can be added to your list. The act of wearing masks has been sign of respect for each other. It’s important as a sign of good citizenship and respect for science to have gotten the vaccine. I think people should have to prove they’ve had the vaccine to participate in communal life.
As a parent with a child under 11, I feel like we've asked our kids to make ultimate sacrifices - school, extracurriculars, and social connections that will impact their lives. And now that we have a vaccine in sight for them, the mask and social distancing mandate was lifted - my 12 year old was only eligible for his vaccine on Thursday and won't be fully protected for 6 more weeks. I can't take my children into the grocery store anymore, can't trust that the Y we've used for months is now a safe place. These children are underrepresented and forgotten even as they diligently mask. We asked for their sacrifices but couldn't go the last mile for them, masking and giving distance to keep them safe. My family has some health conditions that warrant increased caution. And no one cares about them, or their mothers, even as infections among children continue to climb. The party rages around us and we are left looking through the window.
Mr Rather, the phrase that you penned in this reflection, “I imagine that many of you fall into this sacred category.” is pure poetry. I love reading your posts.
P.S. And yes, with the U.S. now having more vaccines than it will use, I agree that sharing them with other nations is the sensible thing to do, and humane, as Mr. Rather says, in keeping with our nation's history of helping when possible.
We owe a huge debt to those in cleaning jobs for helping keep us healthy - most definitely during the pandemic, but always. They deserve our respect and thanks - and should be paid more for the important jobs that they do.
I would like to add that the many unsung heroes who put themselves at risk for our benefit deserve more than our continuing recognition and appreciation. They deserve equality under the law, access to health care, pathways to citizenship, and, as citizens, protected voting rights. They deserve social and economic justice.
Never has it been clearer that this country has been shaped by the interwoven threads of white supremacy, even though much of what we white people enjoy as citizens comes to us through the work of people who have been at risk all their lives. By virtue of who they are, where they came from, the color of their skin, their religion, and/or their gender identity they are denied many of the benefits they provide for us. The same people who do all this work we so take for granted, making our lives more bountiful, are all too often living in poverty and under attack.
As we build back better, I hope it will include robustly protected voting rights, serious changes in policing practices and attitudes, and overall inclusiveness in the diverse family we all are.
Boy, I sure teared up listening to Rosa Martinez. She articulated exactly what she is living through and her story moved me so much. A great article Dan, you covered it all. You did a wonderful job reading your piece. I love hearing your voice of wisdom and experience. The task of cleaning up after others can be thankless. Before Covid, I always thanked our wonderful school custodian. Morning and afternoon clean up in kindergarten rooms can be nasty!! Thank you, Mr. Cha Cha!
Everyday, unsung heroes! And, yes, when I see them, I do thank them.
Years ago, my husband was in the hospital for several weeks and the cleaning crew often kept me company during the excruciatingly long nights. While he slept, I would join them in the hall while they cleaned and sometimes one would sit with me for a few minutes. The comfort of their company, their empathy, stays with me today.
So I always try to make eye contact with, and thank, the cleaning people, the person who clears my table at a restaurant, the one sweeping the subway car or platform, and those restocking the shelves at my local grocery. They help make life a little more comfortable for all of us and need to know how much we appreciate their essential service.
So very glad to hear you personally thank our custodians and janitors who often go overlooked in their important role every day and especially in medical and health settings during the time of Covid-19!
Yes, many workers in various settings have and are making risk taking contributions especially now but also always.
Enjoyed hearing you and will now read your written version as I like to, clicking on some links for more.
My mom was a housekeeper. When I got on hard times, I took on some work for a bit -- I cried every day for weeks till I could find something else because I understood for the first time how hard physically that work was/is and mentally how no one sees you -- all day long. Thank you for writing this - I'm not sure I can bare listening to it -- I think this is one of those articles that should go to everyone. It is brilliant, maybe one of my favs. I know you're trying to give subscribers something different. I'm not sure that's gonna work. This piece should be shared with the world. It is necessary and beautifully done. Thank you for this. I'm an emotional mess thinking of my mom now... Thank you for that. By the way, not that I would ever attempt to add to your writing, but I will say this -- if you have someone who cleans your home or office, you should know their names. Include them when you can - everyone needs and wants to be acknowledged. And this piece Dan -- that's what this does. It acknowledged all of them. God bless you sir. Sending you a hug this morning.
For fifteen (15) years I worked as a landscaper for a SF Bay Area school district - and I generally loved that job. I had a great boss, made good friends in our workshop, actually gained some respect from educators and parents…even some of the young folk told me that they appreciated my efforts to make their school brighter, more colorful. The downside was ugly; as a group, landscapers were damned when we made made too much noise, then damned again when the schools became weed-choked because we couldn’t use our equipment. I’ve had scalding hot coffee, cold sodas, cigarette butts tossed at me by irate parents who were asked to move so that school buses could park in their assigned areas, had faculty members scream at me, damn me for actually being at their school. Finally, my fellow high school landscapers and I were informed that rather than see the bloated bureaucracy be reduced in scale that we would see our workload doubled - I went from servicing one school and 32 acres to two high schools and 65 acres. Not one worker was thanked for their labors, their efforts, and not one lived without injury ranging from irreversible joint damage to mental collapse.
When I had my 1st bone marrow transplant 5years ago I appreciated the cleaning staff so much. Having no immune system germs could be deadly, also with me being so sick I am sure cleaning my bathroom was not pleasant. As I started feeling better I would ask them about their day and families. Such kind loving people, when I was discharged I wrote each one a thank you note with a nice sized tip. My former career was a cashier in a grocery store, I understand how people can become “ invisible” to others, just there to serve them.
The pandemic has opened my eyes to those around me who keep our world going day after day in the most dangerous and stressful circumstances. I would particularly like to recognize my Schwan's delivery man who comes twice a month bringing me the products I ordered along with his good humor and can-do attitude. Thank you John. I would also like to thank Ben who cuts my lawn every week and never misses a mow--rain or shine. The Instacart delivery folks who bring my groceries every time I order, again with good humor and great efficiency. Wonderful personal shoppers. These fine people and many others have kept my life going during Covid19 with all its dangers and stresses. And last, the tech at Kroger's Little Clinic who gave my 14-year-old granddaughter her first Pfizer shot yesterday and did it so skillfully that she came home amazed that it didn't hurt at all. Thank you all.
So many have sacrificed for the greater good. Teachers and students, parents and grandparents can be added to your list. The act of wearing masks has been sign of respect for each other. It’s important as a sign of good citizenship and respect for science to have gotten the vaccine. I think people should have to prove they’ve had the vaccine to participate in communal life.
As a parent with a child under 11, I feel like we've asked our kids to make ultimate sacrifices - school, extracurriculars, and social connections that will impact their lives. And now that we have a vaccine in sight for them, the mask and social distancing mandate was lifted - my 12 year old was only eligible for his vaccine on Thursday and won't be fully protected for 6 more weeks. I can't take my children into the grocery store anymore, can't trust that the Y we've used for months is now a safe place. These children are underrepresented and forgotten even as they diligently mask. We asked for their sacrifices but couldn't go the last mile for them, masking and giving distance to keep them safe. My family has some health conditions that warrant increased caution. And no one cares about them, or their mothers, even as infections among children continue to climb. The party rages around us and we are left looking through the window.
Mr Rather, the phrase that you penned in this reflection, “I imagine that many of you fall into this sacred category.” is pure poetry. I love reading your posts.
P.S. And yes, with the U.S. now having more vaccines than it will use, I agree that sharing them with other nations is the sensible thing to do, and humane, as Mr. Rather says, in keeping with our nation's history of helping when possible.
Thanks, Dan. Important reminder to be appreciative to people we don't see, who risk and do jobs that make all the difference. 👍
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you to all the workers that keep this country going through good times and tough times.
We owe a huge debt to those in cleaning jobs for helping keep us healthy - most definitely during the pandemic, but always. They deserve our respect and thanks - and should be paid more for the important jobs that they do.
Dan, you are a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate human being. Thank you for your service
I would like to add that the many unsung heroes who put themselves at risk for our benefit deserve more than our continuing recognition and appreciation. They deserve equality under the law, access to health care, pathways to citizenship, and, as citizens, protected voting rights. They deserve social and economic justice.
Never has it been clearer that this country has been shaped by the interwoven threads of white supremacy, even though much of what we white people enjoy as citizens comes to us through the work of people who have been at risk all their lives. By virtue of who they are, where they came from, the color of their skin, their religion, and/or their gender identity they are denied many of the benefits they provide for us. The same people who do all this work we so take for granted, making our lives more bountiful, are all too often living in poverty and under attack.
As we build back better, I hope it will include robustly protected voting rights, serious changes in policing practices and attitudes, and overall inclusiveness in the diverse family we all are.
Boy, I sure teared up listening to Rosa Martinez. She articulated exactly what she is living through and her story moved me so much. A great article Dan, you covered it all. You did a wonderful job reading your piece. I love hearing your voice of wisdom and experience. The task of cleaning up after others can be thankless. Before Covid, I always thanked our wonderful school custodian. Morning and afternoon clean up in kindergarten rooms can be nasty!! Thank you, Mr. Cha Cha!
Everyday, unsung heroes! And, yes, when I see them, I do thank them.
Years ago, my husband was in the hospital for several weeks and the cleaning crew often kept me company during the excruciatingly long nights. While he slept, I would join them in the hall while they cleaned and sometimes one would sit with me for a few minutes. The comfort of their company, their empathy, stays with me today.
So I always try to make eye contact with, and thank, the cleaning people, the person who clears my table at a restaurant, the one sweeping the subway car or platform, and those restocking the shelves at my local grocery. They help make life a little more comfortable for all of us and need to know how much we appreciate their essential service.
So very glad to hear you personally thank our custodians and janitors who often go overlooked in their important role every day and especially in medical and health settings during the time of Covid-19!
Yes, many workers in various settings have and are making risk taking contributions especially now but also always.
Enjoyed hearing you and will now read your written version as I like to, clicking on some links for more.
My mom was a housekeeper. When I got on hard times, I took on some work for a bit -- I cried every day for weeks till I could find something else because I understood for the first time how hard physically that work was/is and mentally how no one sees you -- all day long. Thank you for writing this - I'm not sure I can bare listening to it -- I think this is one of those articles that should go to everyone. It is brilliant, maybe one of my favs. I know you're trying to give subscribers something different. I'm not sure that's gonna work. This piece should be shared with the world. It is necessary and beautifully done. Thank you for this. I'm an emotional mess thinking of my mom now... Thank you for that. By the way, not that I would ever attempt to add to your writing, but I will say this -- if you have someone who cleans your home or office, you should know their names. Include them when you can - everyone needs and wants to be acknowledged. And this piece Dan -- that's what this does. It acknowledged all of them. God bless you sir. Sending you a hug this morning.