Many Who Work Through Storms Deserve Thanks

The Blizzard of 2016 has ended for most, although others will be feeling the consequences for days as airports and coastlines slowly get back to normal. Here in upstate New York, we sat this one out with not even a flurry showing up on our doorstep. It was a bit odd watching national news coverage of this serious storm. Having family members in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts it was good to find out that everyone was prepared and ready to hunker down with heat, generators and comfort food.

We also got a break from the presidential primary election circus for 48 hours or so. Having said that, it seems Chris Christie eventually figured out that he could get more media coverage by heading home, being front and center and being in charge of emergency activities in New Jersey. Much more presidential then being in diners and town hall meetings in New Hampshire while the state you were elected to govern gets clobbered by a N'or Easter.

Elected officials from all over the east coast put on their emergency, open collared, logo imprinted jackets, sweaters, hats, etc. and joined the media in reporting minute by minute stories and warnings. Some of it was absolutely necessary and some of it was self promotion, overdone and a joke. In the meantime many citizens spent time enjoying the snow with friends and family. Many others were good samaritans and assisted neighbors and strangers. Values that we all celebrate and admire.

We're all aware of the folks who have to work to keep people safe during these periods - clean-up crews, police and all of the emergency workers. But at the same time that governors are telling people to stay off the roads and to stay home, there are always people who have to work no matter what happens. These heroes seldom get the recognition they deserve. Sometimes they even have to argue with police and other emergency workers as they make their way to their jobs and their work. We don't generally think about them because they quietly get their jobs done. These are the people who work to support vulnerable people in homes and facilities for people with disabilities and the elderly or sick. Some are individual care givers, some work for organizations but they all have something in common. They know that people are depending on them whatever happens with the weather. These folks really deserve everyone's thanks and recognition but they're usually forgotten or overlooked.

So here's my tip of the hat and a big thank you to all of the direct support professionals, caregivers, healthcare professionals and others who worked through yet another storm, providing necessary support to people. Thank you! You're the best.