Sometimes we get so caught up in our world that we forget to thank those that are always there for us, regardless of what we tell them or of what we sometimes say about them. Often or not, the phrases “Do your job right” are passed along, when in reality we don’t realize what they have to go through on a daily basis for us. Like my mom always says, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." We simply take them for granted, or aren’t very nice to them because of what they do.

Firefighters

Besides the fact that some are nice to look at, on their 24-hour shifts they have to go into burning buildings to try to put out the fires and pull several people out at once. They involved in several dangerous car accidents and have to go through many things for the public’s safety.

Personal note: I wouldn’t mind getting swept off my feet by a life-saving firefighter. Would you?

Paramedics

Every time you call 911, they’re there for you. Even though some say that they take forever getting to you, it’s not their fault. Whenever you call them, make sure it is an absolute emergency because when you call the ambulance, it means the closest ambulance to your area is out of service. If there is another emergency while they’re out of service they would have to call an ambulance that’s further out. It’s clear why they say "only in emergencies."

Police Officers

Regardless of the kind of police officer they are. I could never do what they do, they have to deal with all kinds of things. Many people think that they are the bad ones, but they’re not. They’re always looking out for what’s best for us. Even though every time we see the sirens from our rearview mirror, we scrunch up, but we don’t realize the importance on following the law for our safety.

Personal note: isn’t the show “Cops” great?

Garbage Truck Drivers/Collectors

For starters, let’s not forget that in some streets, the garbage truck is already picking up your garbage by the time you are barely waking up, or in your third dream. Make sure to dispose of your things accordingly. And if these great people weren’t there, our streets would be flowing in garbage.

Teachers

The ones that help guide your children’s minds. Let’s take a second and think that it is only one teacher for about 30 kids. I can barely handle my 6 cousins, niece and nephews! They are incredibly patient to be taking on such a big role in someone’s life. Whether it’s elementary, middle school, high school, college, or even a tutor; a teacher is a teacher.

Nurses

No, they are not the doctors. But, all they do is patient care. Some people only go to the hospital because someone made them or with wrong intentions. Whatever the reason is that got you there, don’t take it out on the nice nurses. They’re just doing their jobs. You will probably talk more to your nurse than to the actual doctor, so why not be friendly with them if you’ll be spending quite some time with them?

Construction Workers

The expression “Ugh”, is passed along a lot in this one. You’re going late to work or to school and you notice there’s a lot of traffic. Why? Because there’s construction going on. It’s not like they planned to make you late, they’re just doing their jobs. You know the clever signs that say “Give us a Brake.” Well, give them a break, and brake for them to avoid an accident. They are walking around in the streets while you drive. Don’t be mean, turn that road rage off for a bit.

Waiters/Waitresses

You spent $100 on dinner and had a great waitress/waiter, and you only tipped them $5 for their hard work. That’s just rude. Especially if you have children, we all know those creatures are beautiful and God’s gift to life, but we also know that they can bring the house down in two seconds. Show some kindness, tip reasonably. Some have to live off of tips. How can someone pay rent with $5?

Retail

We all choose something off of the rack, but then we see something that we love even more and choose to leave the other item and take the new one instead. But you’re too far from the place you found the other item, so what do you do? No, you don’t put it wherever there’s room. Make the person's day a little easier and put it where you found it. Like my mom used to say, put everything back in its place (except she would say it in Spanish).

Let’s give it up for these wonderful people who have a lot of patience that God knows we all need. Oh, and obviously also to my mom for making me notice that we have to be kind and generous to everyone, no matter what their title is.