Another reason why I live where I live...............................................

I mentioned yesterday that this week is our yearly town festival. Of course we have a parade (this Saturday) and of course we have a Grand Marshall for the parade, who are also Citizen of the Year. This year we have three, a husband, wife, and their son.

Forty years ago, the husband and wife started a wrecker service in our town, and the son took over the business when they retired. If you have ever needed to be pulled out of a ditch at three in the morning, or in the middle of a raging snow storm, you might agree that this is not one of the most glamorous of occupations. You would also most likely agree that you had never been happier to see anyone in your life when the lights of the tow truck cut through the darkness coming to your rescue.

I am really proud of the fact that the "powers that select" picked a Grand Marshall that stands for service to others. Not that we have that many "famous" people living among us (I think our biggest claim to fame is the (largest city in the area) television station's weatherman). These three where chosen because:

"We wanted to honor someone who has worked for this community for a long time. The ******'s have given of their time and expertise in so many ways all over (city name) for decades. They've been a part of the community for so long and have always been willing to help out with not only Jubilee but whenever someone needed help."

I am proud to be living in a place where not only are these values recognized, but honored. So many people spend a big part of their lives providing service to others that go above and beyond simply doing their job because of who they are not because of the recognition it will bring to themselves. It does my heart good to see that once in a while they get their due!

And the next time you have need of a service worker remember to let them know how much you appreciate them and the jobs they do. If you happen to be one of those service workers, thank you from the bottom of my heart and know that the world is a better place because you are in it.