Labor of Love

I was walking my dog this past weekend when I spotted them. Neighbors from down the street were strolling along the sidewalk. The trio approached slowly. A woman that often walks with me was pushing a large baby stroller while guiding an older adult that appeared frail. We waved at each other and I watched my friend as she cared for the multiple generations in her household.

Last Monday, as our family celebrated a quiet Labor Day holiday, I thought about my neighbor. Seeing her made me reflect on how much of our work in life is unpaid and often unnoticed.

When my children were young, my husband traveled frequently for work and I was at home raising our family. My memories of those years are precious, but they also include recollections of long days, frequent car-pooling and endless after school activities. Like much of life, those years were fleeting and busy. When I think back on our lives, the very best part of those times involved simple moments that had almost nothing to do with money.

In later years, my husband and I dealt with aging family members and my father-in-law as he battled dementia disease. Those days were also long and filled with constant work as his illness progressed. During those times, our bright spots involved peaceful connections with our loved ones.

So now, in honor of Labor Day I salute the people that often labor tirelessly giving care and support for other people.

-To the parents of young children

-To the parents of special needs children

-To the parents that are helping to guide their children educationally during the pandemic

-To the parents of teenagers in this uncertain time

-To the teenager trying to navigate endless change

-To people whose jobs have become more difficult during the Covid 19 outbreaks

-To the people that help their neighbors

-To the people that support the elderly on a daily basis

-To the people that volunteer their time and talent to the service of others.

My list is hardly complete because there are so many special people that deserve to be remembered with gratitude this Post Labor Day. May we all thank someone who is working with love this season.