As the Covid-19 vaccines begin to ship en masse, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of our front-line healthcare workers for their warrior hearts, for their strength, courage, and sacrifice, and for selflessly giving of themselves day after day.
Most especially, I want to thank the nurses who’ve endured long hours, extra shifts, understaffing, and uncomfortable PPEs. Not only have they provided much needed patient care but they’ve also been at patient’s bedsides providing emotional comfort in the absence of visitors. Some were forced to live apart from their families and many probably felt they were a risk to those around them.
You are all angels and your sacrifice and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
I also want to thank. . .
The doctors and ICU staff who’ve seen unprecedented deaths in the midst of the worst of the pandemic
The doctors and research scientists who diligently worked to find a cure
The lab techs who worked long hours to turn around Covid tests quickly
The restaurants who reinvented their business to provide carry-out, pick-up, and outdoor dining
Grocers, online retailers, food banks, and transportation and distribution companies who stepped up their business to meet the changing needs of consumers
Our government leaders who made tough choices with only the safety of their constituents in mind
Our educators who’ve shown incredible agility in switching back and forth between on-site and online learning and the parents who struggled right alongside them
The companies who recognized the sacrifices made by frontline workers by giving them discounts and providing free meals
The companies who switched over their production lines to manufacture much needed PPEs and ventilators
My company, Gordon Food Service, and others like them who embraced work-from-home to keep us all safe
And last but not least, I thank all of you, my friends and family and the rank and file, who followed safety guidelines, wore masks, social distanced, and gave up spending time with family and friends all for the sake of the greater good.
You’re all heroes in my heart.
In closing, I want to share this Chicago salute to healthcare workers. As the mother of a first-year nurse in the Windy City, it brought tears to my eyes to know my daughter was surrounded by so much love and appreciation.
Have you touched anyone lately?