Redefining the “essential worker” after Helene

The phrase “essential worker” was used quite a bit during the pandemic; it seemed to be a way to identify people doing jobs that were critical… healthcare workers, police and firefighters, and the like. I never liked the phrase, and now with the effects of Helene, I think it’s time to retire the phrase entirely, because every job is essential. Construction folks who volunteered to clear roads to help reach people stranded…the person working at the shop when you could find fuel was essential. When the trash piled high due to roads closed and downed wires, the people who took the trash away… they are essential. The propane company workers, linemen, non profits workers, when there was no food, the few restaurants that could open, the restaurant workers, the grocery store people, all essential and vital to getting us all back to some normalcy. Thinking about it in this way increases gratitude and appreciation for people doing something that adds value to our communities. The list of essential workers includes everyone (ok, I know what you’re thinking - be kind :-) Anyway, I hope that this is a common feeling and that it lasts well after we see Helene in the rearview mirror.