Faces of Courage

Dear COVID-19 Heroes:

I am talking to the uniformed forces who are still serving, still protecting and still putting their lives on the line. Not only from everyday dangers, but now facing new ones. To the heroes still fighting for our nation, putting out fires, saving our lives daily, and protecting our citizens and ensuring we are safe from within and from without our borders. To the warriors who don't get to go home everyday, and miss out on birthdays and holidays to protect us, even through a global pandemic.

From the deepest depths of my heart and soul: Thank you, and stay safe.

I am also talking to the army that is our healthcare workers. The people still driving to and caring for our sick and injured, transporting them safely to the medical care they need. To the doctors and nurses who not only are risking their own health through this pandemic, but who always have and always will sacrifice their sleep, their hearts, and their time to caring for those who need it most. Even before the COVID-19 virus, there were not enough of you, and now that the world has gone crazy, you are all still prepared and ready for triple shifts to care for those of us who need you. I am talking to the nurses and hospice workers who visit the homes to tend to our elderly and special needs.

I admire each and every single one of you. And the world cannot say this enough: Thank you, and stay safe.

To the driving fleet that runs our nation. Our truck drivers who drive countless miles, delivering fathomless amounts of merchandise to our stores, to keep Americans from going without. To the postal workers, FedEx, UPS and other courier services. Not only was my mother a truck driver, and a dispatcher for most of my life, but she also worked for the United States Post Office when I was younger. I have grown up understanding that without you, this nation would literally stop moving. There is not a single piece of merchandise in the world that has not touched a big-rig in some way, shape or form. There isn't a single item that has not been delivered by a postal worker or a truck driver. Truck

I think I speak for every one in every place when I say that without you: we could not go on. Thank you, for everything you do, and be safe on the road.

To the Instacart, Uber, Lyft, PostMate, GrubHub, DoorDash and other delivery service business drivers:

I am one of you. Unfortunately as a caretaker to an elderly sick Great Uncle, a mother to a one year old, and helper to my partners family as well, I had to give it up through the pandemic. I know I am not the only one. I wish I was out there helping bring stuff to people whose lives depend on them staying inside, but unfortunately that isn't an option. So to those of you who are still delivering, thank you. You are helping people more than you know. And you are certainly overlooked in terms of recognition for what you do.

Thank you, and stay safe.

To the essential business owners and workers. You guys are so brave. You are out there, risking your health. You spend all day with a hot mask on your face, and latex gloves making your hands sweaty. When distance is being drilled over and over you are out there all day, seeing and dealing with hundreds of people who are needing supplies so they can go back home where it's safe. Without you, people would go without food and essential supplies. We would be cold and hungry. I hope that workers in these essential businesses come out of this knowing that their job is not just a minimum wage waste of time. You are important, no, you are vital.

Without a single doubt, you are appreciated. Thank you, and stay safe.

And last, but certainly not least, to the undefined heroes. To the volunteers, teachers, to the do-gooders who are helping those in need in some way. To the unspoken heroes making sure that children get food during this crisis. To the warriors of everything positive, to the survivors, to the masses who are staying home. To everyone who has sacrificed and risked themselves in some way to help someone who needed it.

With so much love in my heart... thank you and stay safe.

In so much darkness, we must continue to stand united.

Stay strong. It's almost over.