Looking back, I realize that my shame-fest in last week’s column might have been a little dark, so let’s do a one-eighty this week and focus on something more positive and uplifting.
In particular, there are a lot of people right here in our local communities who have gone (and continue to go) above and beyond during these challenging times, and I think some well-deserved thanks are in order.
First off, thank you to all those working in the health care field – all our physicians, nurses, and others, who have stepped up during this pandemic, dealt with long hours and a lot of stress, cared for the sick, and stuck in there to the end with those they could not save.
Thank you to all the top-notch professionals at the Carroll County Health Department for the amazing job you have done getting people vaccinated for this terrible virus, often working outside in some not-so-pleasant conditions to help save lives. And being second in the state for vaccinations administered per capita – well that’s pretty darn impressive.
Thank you to all those working in our local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. You’ve gone to extraordinary lengths to protect our community’s most vulnerable citizens, and you’ve found creative ways to connect them with family, lift their spirits, and comfort them in their isolation.
Thank you to all our local police officers. Nationally, the men and women of law enforcement have caught a lot of flack over the past months (and had lot of projectiles of various kinds thrown at them), but you guys and gals really do put your butts on the line for the rest us – so just know you are appreciated.
Thank you to all our firefighters. Walking into a burning, smoke-filled building to protect lives and property takes a special kind of courage. And to do that as a volunteer – that’s the very essence of self-sacrifice.
Thank you to our EMT’s and all first responders for being there for the rest of us on our worst days.
Thank you to all our local guardsmen and other military service members for putting yourselves out there to ensure that all Americans stay free and safe.
Thank you to all our school teachers, administrators, and other staff. I know it’s been crazy and frustrating and a challenge to keep the business of educating young people going in this uncertain, constantly changing environment, but you’ve given a lot of extra time and effort and found ways to make it work.
And thank you to all the students. You’ve had to deal with a lot of disruptions and disappointments, but the way you’ve soldiered through it all and maintained school spirit has been an inspiration to us older folk. You are the future of this community, and, from what I’ve seen, that future is looking bright.
Thank you to all our local business owners and employees. You’ve struggled through a lot of obstacles and restrictions and found ways to keep it open and provide us all with the food, goods, and services we need (and want).
Thank you to all our churches and civic organizations that have been out there helping those in need of material and spiritual assistance.
And thanks to all of you who have stepped up in a thousand ways (both big and small) to help and encourage and show love to your neighbors.
So keep up the good work. Be there for each other. Keep an eye out for those who might be slipping through the cracks. Come together and work together to do those things that need to be done.
We may be divided as a nation these days, but here in this little corner of rural America, I believe there is still a strong sense of community and the kind of unity that has nothing to do with politics.
