Happy Labor Day

I still laugh as I recall my son’s telephone call to me on Labor Day. With the family in the background hollering, “Happy Mother’s Day”, I said, “What?” And Ryan replied, “It’s Labor Day, so we’re thanking you for your “labor” in bringing me into this world! So Happy Mother’s Day!” LOL! Labor Day has a whole new meaning to me each year!

But we all know that Labor Day isn’t about me and the contribution I made to this world. (Sigh!) And, though we love the idea of a “paid holiday” or just the day off at the beginning of a new school year, it’s way more than that. It’s the day we get to honor all of our hard working American people who make life so much better for us. I think about the dedication, fortitude and self-sacrifice so many “laborers” continued to prevail for us all during the pandemic….and still do. Vince Lombardi said, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

I thank all of this country’s hard working laborers. So many unsung heroes, so many that are behind the scenes, and particularly those of you who don’t usually get the acclaim & recognition. You know who you are — the garbage truck workers, restaurant cooks & waiters, cashiers, secretaries, janitors, home care workers, domestic workers, street repair workers, construction crews, utility crews, lawn maintenance crews, and to the millions of other people who believe that true success comes from rolling up your sleeves and dedicating yourselves to not just a paycheck….but to making a difference in other people’s lives!! You are the quiet heroes in our lives and I applaud you and thank you today!!

Now, go ahead and enjoy this Labor Day — you earned it and deserve it. And, I think I’ll just rest and relax from two BIG labors that brought two BIG joys and blessings into my life! So all you Laborers and all you Moms out there…..Happy Labor AND Mother’s (Labor) Day to you, too!