There were so many great posts thanking responders for working this past weekend, I decided to leave well enough alone. Chiefs, managers and coworkers reached out to acknowledge the personal sacrifice of those serving over the holiday. I have never seen such a showing of support; thank you all.
For the public at large, a little insight here. Responders, dispatchers and healthcare workers employed full time in their respective professions wind up working at least fifty percent of the dozen or so special days annually. Civilians take the celebrations for granted, pushing back to join family and friends, often sharing a special meal. Part-time and junior folks in those same services backfill open shifts. Some senior staff cash in banked time to be off, leaving holidays to be filled at a premium rate. What might sound like a windfall to some is often a time when most workers would rather be outside looking in than the opposite.
Life lessons did not stop presenting themselves once retirement set in. With the “honeymoon” phase behind me, the relief of no more shift work struck a nerve. Since calling it quits, I am often asked when I would have time to engage with friends, family; I would reply somewhat sarcastically, “anytime, every day is Saturday, isn’t it.” Now, as a citizen at large, I gave myself a little smack to remind me where I came from.
Thank you to those who are serving now and to the professionals who will fill future retirements and open shifts. The thank-you must actually have multiple parts. Firstly, to those serving since this pandemic hit. The responsibility and stressors placed on you all are enormous. I sidestepped them, hanging up my uniform months before the onset. Secondly, the kudos should not focus specifically on special days. Thanks are deserved for the special dates and the rest of the days and nights bridging the holidays. Missed family dinners, birthdays and anniversaries, to name a few.
Finally, to those readers who are being served: please be civil with those around you. Being a public servant or service industry worker might look like a privilege from your side. In fact, when you add up the pressure of working and the personal pressures we all face in the off times, the experience is no gift. Quite the opposite.
I, for one, am thankful.