“Batteries not included” was a common disclaimer on toy packages when my kids were small. The toy didn’t run, it didn’t work without them. D, C, AA, AAA, all batteries with an additional cost and shelf life that required replacement to keep the toy working. Whether it was a game that lit up or a dancing Santa, it needed batteries; without them it was just a hunk of junk.
How many roles do we play every day that make things happen, keep things going, make things run? Educators keep students and schools a float, grocery store workers and truckers replenish our supplies, farmers keep us well fed, childcare providers allow us to work; the list goes on and on. Too often these are roles not valued and taken for granted.
In 2020 we called these roles essential workers. All of sudden in a time of crisis people realized how important they really were. We praised them, honored them. But how quickly we forget. As soon as the world came back into balance, we got back on the hamster wheel of the day-to-day routine. Essential workers were once more left in a cloud of dust, left unseen.
During these uncertain times there are people in the background who keep our communities, our families and our lives on track; they help make all the parts move. Let’s not forget the importance of the essential worker. Be kind, say thank you and don’t forget the batteries that keep us running.
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