Heartfelt thanks to all essential workers

Now that 2020 is in the rearview mirror, we look forward to 2021 to return our lives to normal. What a year, right? We went from a booming economy never seen before to a lockdown that cost thousands of jobs and many businesses to close permanently.

Large and small, none escaped the pandemic. Some, however, thrived due to being an "essential" business. Perhaps the best examples are online shopping and the delivery industry. Who doesn't like to shop online and have the merchandise delivered to your door?

We owe a debt of gratitude to essential workers who were on the job delivering lifelines for our well-being.

Our brave medical personnel donned masks and gowns to combat an unseen enemy. Grocery store employees worked tirelessly to keep our food supply healthy. Police and firefighters tirelessly provided a safety net for us when we had trouble. Mail was delivered as usual, as well as our CDA Press.

Truckers and delivery drivers carried everything from food and medical supplies to personal use items and brought them to our doorstep. They even delivered toilet paper to our houses when panic buying emptied shelves at our stores. We owe a big thank you to all the businesses that helped us navigate through the pandemic. We still need you, so don't go anywhere.

The pandemic lockdown brought to the forefront industries and essential workers we sometimes take for granted. We go to restaurants and count on the kitchen staff to prepare delicious and nutritious meals brought to our table by the waitstaff. Though, behind the scenes are dishwashers, custodians, and the grunts who clean the grease pit. Each is essential in a restaurant's operation, but we only see the frontline people interacting with us.

The same is true in other venues that we frequent for our entertainment. True that the movie theater probably doesn't have a grease pit, but somebody has to clean the popcorn machine, right?

There is one industry that is in an untenable situation: our public schools. Teachers and students are at risk every day in the classroom. Some schools have opted for remote learning to minimize the danger, and some have a blended schedule to teach our children.

Administrators are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for learning and maintenance of school property. Support staff run the day-to-day operations and interact with students, teachers, and administrators. As threat looms, schools meet the challenge to provide quality education. We thank you for all you do.

Now that we have vaccines and vaccinations have started, we hope to return to everyday life. Our kids will be in school. We'll be back at work, rebuilding another booming economy.

Returning to our lives, remember that essential workers permeate every venue and industry. At the forefront of this pandemic, they stepped up bravely and tirelessly to help us through this. They will be there for us when this is over. Please remember their contribution.

Now, let's get the party started!

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Jack Evensizer is a resident of Dalton Gardens.