UNITY — While those who serve aren’t our first thought when we examine the topic of the comforts of Christmas, they are certainly an important aspect of the Christmas experience who provide our family and friends reassurance.
Those who serve provide all the comforts we enjoy at Christmas.
My dad was a highwayman and now my husband has served in this role for 40 years. While our family may have missed many Christmas moments with them, they were fulfilling their duties to ensure those who had to use the highways at Christmas and over the holidays would have the safest of conditions. This often meant longer hours on Dec. 24 to ensure plowing, salting and sanding was completed, or working longer hours Christmas day if winter weather arrives.
I am sure travellers over the years have uttered a thanks for these highwaymen.
While we hope fire services and RCMP never have to be called, these folks are on call throughout the year, including Christmas and the holidays. How reassuring to know protective services are willing to dash away from their family Christmas moments to serve and protect if the emergency alarm goes.
No one wants to be in a hospital over Christmas, but it would be much worse without the dedication of health care providers. It is comforting to know there is a full roster of doctors, nurses and other health care team members working through the holidays to ensure the best of care continues for anyone unfortunate enough to be in hospital. With the challenges health care is facing today, thankfully their commitment is unwavering.
I doubt anyone thinks of a plumber in this way, however, a local plumber has told me of the frenzied calls he has received over the years of a plumbing or heating emergency when the homeowner had a house full of Christmas company. These trade professionals will also take time out of their own busy Christmas activities to dash out to help someone in need, even if it is a cold or crappy job.
Those who serve in our country's armed forces deserve our thanks and praise as we enjoy freedom and peaceful living thanks to their commitment as well as those who served before them.
Think of these folks, and others whose service we take for granted, next time you are uttering or praying words of thanks. Thanks to these men and women, we are provided many more comforts of Christmas that are often taken for granted. Bless those who choose to serve, regardless of the season.
