An open note to the people who deserve more thank yous:
Teachers. Janitors. Bus Drivers. Waiters. Mechanics. I could create a list that's a mile long of all the people who don't nearly get enough thanks for what they do. Moms. Dads. Plumbers. Electricians. Grounds keepers. Librarians. You all do things to make our lives better and easier, and yet you never seem to receive nearly enough thanks.
I'm sorry the world runs this way. I'm sorry it goes about in a manner that doesn't give credit where credit is due and that the importance of what you do can sometimes be overlooked. I'm sorry that, on occasion, I can be one of the people who overlooks you. Cafeteria workers. Cashiers. Baristas. Plow truck operators. Without all of you, our world would be at a standstill. You are the ones that do the jobs that tend to be taken for granted. But you didn't take them for granted. You know their importance.
To all of you who don't have one of these jobs, imagine being a janitor or a plow truck operator who works the night shift, unable to tuck their kids in at night. What about the grounds keepers who maintain and preserve many of the gorgeous places we have all come to love and cherish? And what about the librarians who update the stock of books in the library and encourage the love of learning in others?
Think about that barista who you just yelled at for making your coffee with whole milk instead of skim milk or for adding too much foam to your latte. Think about the waiter or waitress you just complained to because your order took just a little bit too long, despite the fact the restaurant is completely full. Think about the teacher you just complained to because your child didn't receive a certain grade in a week despite the fact they have at least 80 of every assignment to grade.
Every one of these jobs is important and every person that does them deserves recognition. Although I've barely scratched the surface of jobs and people who are overlooked, it's important to think every day about the people you pass and how they may be doing a job you refused to undertake yourself. Take no one for granted and, of course, always say thank you.