Bruckner family lore dictates that spreading mulch around plants and trees is one of the worst household chores there is. So, after appropriately avoiding human contact to get his truckload of mulch, my husband made the dreaded announcement: “Mulch spreading at 2:00.” I don’t know whether it’s the mulch in the socks or mulch dust in the eyes, but disdain was palpable from the teenage children… okay, and from me.
So gloved and ready, imagine my surprise to find my gleeful eight-year-old in the truck bed, joyfully announcing, “I’m Rakeman. It’s a huge promotion. I didn’t even have a title last year.”
The enthusiasm for my son’s new title gave me pause to think of all the millions of people across the country taking on new titles as public servants.
We’ve witnessed:
- Educators as virtual teachers, counselors and a link to a safe place for our children
- Restaurant owners as food bank operators
- Government staff serving other agencies hardest hit by the pandemic
- First responders who daily put their lives on the line taking even more risks to keep us safe
- Nonprofits taking on more responsibility – higher caseloads with fewer resources
- People sheltering in place and putting “we before me” to keep others safe
- Private sector leaders providing equipment, supplies and financial support to those most in need
- Food supply, delivery and sanitation workers being applauded for essential services they provide
- Healthcare workers being recognized as the superheroes they are, outshining any comic book icon
We all have taken on new roles as public servants. May that spirit of “stronger together” continue as we forge through these challenging times ahead and the joyful spirit of Rakeman thrive in all of us. May 3-9 is Public Service Recognition Week. Thank you to those with official titles in public service and those who have joyfully accepted new roles as public servants. May you be safe and well.