Last Friday, I walked down my long driveway, laden with snow and amidst the howling wind, to retrieve my Tribune-Review and the mail, because I knew both likely had been delivered and the least I could do was make the effort to get them.
Earlier that day I received a Christmas package from my brother, who had survived an earthquake in his small northern California town. The box was put on my front porch by a FedEx carrier who navigated that same driveway as well as similarly covered steps leading up to the porch.
A snow-plow truck rumbled by on its myriad trips up and down my road. My veterinarian’s office opened for other clients who needed service, knowing the clinic would be closed all weekend.
My power was working, my home inside was toasty and I was able to watch TV and cook. I am sure there are hundreds of others who “just did their jobs” that day: volunteer firemen and local and state police; hospital personnel; grocery store, pharmacy and gas station employees; church choirs, pastors and other church personnel who provided meaningful Christmas services; cable and power repair personnel; news and weather reporters and camera and equipment operators. The list is lengthy.
As one community member, without any partisan rancor, and to all of these incredible heroes and more, I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude. Not just at this time of year, but throughout each day, how fortunate we are to share this beautiful world, even when Mother Nature throws a tantrum or two!
Linda Wagner
Hempfield