Yesterday, I met Valerie. Today, I met CW. CW is that guy you normally walk past. He’s on the cleaning crew at The Clarion-Ledger and usually quietly goes about doing his job. This particular morning, I was in the vending area and saw him emptying the trash. Maybe it is because I used to be a custodian, but I have a habit of talking to people who clean. And this morning, I am glad I did. Let me tell you a little about CW. He will be 65 soon and is looking forward to retiring. He gets up at three and then as soon as this job is done, he goes and roofs houses. After that, he works three hours at the University. Like Valerie, he works long hours to get by. He asked me about what I did and I told him. I told about what I do at The Clarion-Ledger and what I do on my other jobs. He smiled and said he had admired my work he had seen on my desk. I smiled and said I admired his work as well.
And I do. Very much so.
I had a grandfather who had an insane work ethic. A bit of it has been passed down to me (although I still claim I am a lazy man hiding in work clothes). I think because of my grandfather, I admire people who bust their butts doing the job. I think it’s because I want to be like them when I grow up. If I ever do.
I look forward to getting to know CW better. Like Valerie, just meeting him has inspired me to work a little harder, smile a little more and to appreciate my job even more.
P.S. This is the post about Valerie: I met Valerie this morning while buying tea at Whataburger. She works overnight in Walmart and cuts hair during day. Valerie smiles and isn’t afraid of hard work. I just met her — yet admire her.