Monday; October 27

I try to write things that impact the broadest number of people possible, but every-once-in-while I feel the need to address specific groups of people and today is one of those days.  As the federal government shutdown grinds on, I want to say “thank you” to our government workers.  We live on the outskirts of several military institutions and just outside the Beltway where a lot of government business is done, so we are constantly reminded of the impact politics is having on our friends and neighbors through no fault of their own.  I know a lot of people who have chosen to work in the public sector to make our lives better and safer and I want you to know that your service and sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.  Whether you are furloughed or still working but not getting paid, you are in our thoughts and we hope that this will be put behind us as quickly as possible.

I would like to encourage all of us to take a minute to remember these federal workers as they navigate through these uncertain and unsettling times.  If you know someone who is missing a paycheck, tell them you are thinking about them (or better yet, provide them with something to help them get through the process).  If you come across someone who is working despite not getting paid, go out of your way to tell them how much you appreciate their dedication to their job – and to the people of this nation. 

As we go through the years, we will all experience tough times – this happens to be the season when our government workers are feeling it.  Let’s not forget them or ignore them – and let’s hope this uncertainty will end soon!

Think About It!