This pandemic has changed many people's views on lifestyle and working methods - some of which are long-term, and some are unexpected.
For example, we didn’t used to pay special attention to the staff or cashiers in the supermarket or felt that this job had a very respected place in our society, but now our view on this job has changed a lot. We now think that these people are amazing and hardworking. Although their jobs are fairly common, we never went to supermarkets or Costco thinking about their jobs before we headed into the store. However, during this current pandemic outbreak, many people stay at home and practice quarantine, but some in our society have to stick to their posts and do their seemingly ordinary jobs - the front line for pandemic prevention. Every time cashiers work their job, they come into contact with many customers. They don’t know if these customers carry the virus, or how likely they are infected.
Similarly, there are medical staff, postmen, repairmen, pick-up drivers, law enforcement personnel. The essential service people around us that we used to turn a blind eye on suddenly became so important.
After the government passed home order, we found out what an essential service was. People in these industries, in fact, did not expect other people to give them special thanks. People who work in these essential services often earn a meager salary to support their families. Their tasks are to get things done and if something goes wrong, they would be severely blamed. Today ’s pandemic has given us the opportunity to re-evaluate the essential service people who work silently in society. They are unsung heroes. They are doing ordinary work, but they have a dedicated spirit to do it in uncertain times, subjecting themselves to potential health risks. Salute them.
So, how do we express gratitude and respect them?
In fact, the easiest way is to speak to them solemnly - thank you. Even though this is a very simple method, how many people do it?
Good actions are often times effortless and contagious. For example, for the staff that provides you with essential services, the easiest way to express your gratitude is to abide by the rules established to ensure their safety. When you are in contact with them, you can take the initiative to wear masks and gloves. When you take the bus, you don’t get in through the front door but instead in the back to reduce the chance the driver being infected with the virus. When you buy food, try to plan for the entire week, so as to reduce the need to go out. These small gestures show others how much you care.
A couple weeks ago, we went to the gas station to refuel. I saw an employee of the gas station take a bottle of alcoholic cleaner and wiped it over the handle of the gas handle after someone had left. He was a very old worker. He tried his hardest, his white hair fluttering in the wind. Many people did not notice at all the hard work he did. I ran over to him and said solemnly: Thank you for not being afraid of the risk of infection during this time and thank you for serving everyone here. The old man seemed very happy and in turn it made me very happy. I realized that if we are grateful and respect the efforts of others, this pandemic that has killed thousands will be soon gone.