The Other Unsung Heroes

With provinces and countries now relaxing restrictions, and trying to create that “new normal” that everyone has been talking about, we still need to be grateful of all the people who have been – and still are – working on the so-called “front lines”. However, in all the mentioning of these workers – doctors, nurses, grocery workers, essential service providers – there is an area that seems to be missing. Don’t get me wrong – all these vital areas deserved – and still deserve – our gratitude, thoughts and prayers. This article is about a certain area that seems to be forgotten – or taken for granted – or both.

For people who live in apartments, condos, rental properties and so forth, when something goes wrong, all you have to do is pick up the phone and voice your concern or complaint and, voila, someone will appear to remedy the situation. I’m talking about the maintenance men and women who, despite this pandemic, come and rectify everything from a broken toilet to broken pipes; from burnt out lightbulbs to bumbling boilers. They quietly come and listen to the gripes of the tenants and residents while patiently fixing whatever ails. Despite restrictions on visitation and the lockdowns of dozens of other businesses and services, they come in their new uniform of face masks and face shields – a uniform that cannot be at all comfortable while climbing ladders and crawling under sinks – and do their best to remedy the problems of the day.

These men and women end up taking the brunt end of our frustrations and complaints when being completely innocent of having created said frustrations and complaints. They get yelled at, snapped at, growled at and condescended to – and sometimes from the exact people who employ them. To me, this is more than a little unfair and uncalled-for. Their only crime? Picking up the duties of the day and/or week. As residents, we get frustrated with things that go wrong, especially in this time of rules and restrictions. But is it really fair to take it out on the people who are just trying to do their jobs? Of course not. We need to remember that these maintenance men and women are here to help us, and they can only do so to the best of their ability. They are not miracle workers – well, some may be if we consider a few of the problems facing them – they are just human beings willing to serve the residents and tenants of their respective complexes. And the majority of them do so willingly and with a smile on their face – even though you may not see that smile under the face mask. Sometimes even smiling under the mask can be difficult with all that they’re bombarded with, but smile they do nonetheless.

What am I getting at? Well, if you are such a person that relies on maintenance men and/or women, try to remember that they’re only human – with human feelings and failings. Instead of griping when you see them, how about greeting them with wishes for a grand day? If you can’t see a smile, give them one of your own. Let them know that despite the complaints, despite the conundrum, and despite the confusion, you know they’re doing the best they can. You would be amazed at the difference that can make in a person’s day. Just think of how you would feel if all you ever hear are complaints and grumblings. Being thanked for their service and inquiring about their day for a change can make all the difference in whether or not you see that smile. Let’s remember that our maintenance men and women are human beings, too, and treat them as such. Not only will THEY feel better, but you will, too.

Until next time,

Inge