Unsung Heroes

It’s simply part of living, you tell yourself. You experience the highs and lows like everyone else. You press forward because that’s what you’re supposed to do. But I can’t help but look around and wonder. I wonder how the public servants I once supported in the government are doing since losing their jobs. So many affected that I’ve lost count. Then, my co-workers in the private sector. I hope it saved the public money, as that was the intent, but I wonder, too, if we may have lost something that we can’t quantify yet. I could be wrong, which has certainly been part of my experience, too.    

I wonder what happens when organizations and institutions – some out of fear of penalty, others because they believe it’s right – 'reframe' their social media content to align with those in power, without fully assessing the hidden cost to their people. Sometimes we change and adapt to survive. Some will say it’s progress. But what happens when we don’t look around and ask, “Who are we leaving behind? What is the impact on our people? How do we serve with positive intent while saving money, with an eye on building a better future?

I hope that what we save or make is worth it because I believe in the greater good. That anyone making good choices, putting in an honest effort, and finding ways to serve is creating a life experience that not only helps them grow, but builds up others along the way. These are the unsung heroes of everyday life. Maybe it’s just part of our human experience. I wonder sometimes if we’ve forgotten that we are caretakers for one another. It can be a thankless job, but it can change lives.

Where there is light in each of us, there is hope, and where there is hope an opportunity to wonder about the possibilities. To be curious. To ask, “Who within my reach can I bring along with me? I instantly think of my kids, co-workers, other parents, friends, and first and last acquaintances.  Can I withstand the test and demonstrate strong character, integrity, and compassion while enduring loss, conflict, and tension?”

There are so many bright stars in each of our night skies. They quietly burn. We don’t always see them until they fall and we feel the darkness. I think about the bright lights in my life and I hold memories of them close to my heart as reminders of what is good. Cheers to those unsung heroes of everyday life in the public and private sectors - those who have shined their light and remembered their life mission. It may not happen every day, but if I think back over the years and recall those moments of kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness I’m reassured that those who carry the light in them will always find ways to bring hope and fortify others because of who they are:

• He lost his job, but he took the time to say his goodbye on his last day, expressing no regret or resentment, but rather his optimism for the future.

• A previous employer that required every single employee to take training on how to build trusted relationships, to be good stewards for our customers, and to lean into good-old-fashioned conversations in the face of conflict. There were quantifiable results even if everyone wasn’t all in at first, but the way people felt about each other…well beyond measure.

• A book from my mentor as a recommended reading on supporting my son’s travel baseball experience. Among other themes, it promotes character, integrity, service, and sportsmanship.

• A handwritten note and bouquet of flowers left on my porch from two wonderful women at church offering words of encouragement with referenced scripture…just because.

• A home-cooked meal to lighten the burden and nourish my family after having surgery.

• Smiles on camera during a remote work call, followed by friendly emojis to express gratitude and appreciation. I can’t remember what we discussed, but I remember how I felt.

• A pause to stop, wave, and chat with a neighbor on a summer day before we resume outdoor yard work.

• The kindergarten teacher who sent my kids notes during the summer when they each had birthdays made all the difference in their excitement for the start of school.

• The brother who runs his own local business but always manages to spend extra time chatting with me late in the evening after a long day at work.

• The text from an old friend who I haven’t seen or spoken to in years. She was in town for work and took time to visit. We picked up where we last left off as if no time had passed.  

• The spouse, who will take the kids on local adventures - as simple as perusing the aisles of the Dollar Store - so I can efficiently tackle my list of to-dos or simply rest.

• The kids, who ask for one-on-one time before bedtime. They share their dreams, their questions, and worries. We wrap them up tightly with prayer.

• The countless moms and dads who assist with picking up or dropping off my kids because our work schedules are anything but routine.

I wonder at the possibility of what could happen if we took the time to appreciate the value in each other and invest in that first. If we could set expectations for how we will take care of one another – and do it - when public and private sector organizations have to make difficult, and at times, controversial decisions. I’ve learned more than enough about the power of words to heal or create pain.

I’ve been privileged and fortunate to experience a lot of good in my life. I’ve learned there are hidden costs when you assume that cutting people or programs means savings without taking a deeper look at the impact or the results. I hope we see the value in each other and the impacts of our actions, and that our everyday unsung heroes continue to shine, uplift, inspire, and affirm.