Hero of the Month

(Photo taken from Worldriders2.com)

The turbulent weather that hit the New York/New Jersey area last week left many people with damaging flood waters in and around their homes. My home, unfortunately, counted among the statistics of homes flooded due to the heavy rain. With toxic sewage floating in my basement, I frantically called the Department of Environmental Protection. I continued to call over a period of twenty four hours, becoming increasingly frustrated by the callous, unconcerned, robotic responses given to me by their phone representatives. When help finally arrived a day later, the gentleman who actually performed the task of clearing the blockage in the city’s sewer line that was causing the back-up into my basement, exhibited a kindness and consideration that was the polar opposite of the unsympathetic attitude of the phone operators. Although I was fuming at the treatment given to me on the phone, it was impossible to be angry at the DEP serviceman who came to my door. This gentleman was extremely considerate and sympathetic and assured me he would have the problem taken care of immediately. He explained to me that his delay in getting to my home was caused by bureaucratic red tape that plagues most city-run agencies and causes delay in service. It was so comforting to know that somebody did care and that relief was indeed in sight. And so, in the teeming rain, with torrential winds blowing anything that was not bolted to the ground, Sal set out to relieve my blockage! Suddenly, the water in my basement began to recede! After a few more minutes, Sal informed me that it was okay to use the water in my home. Alas, I could brush my teeth, take a shower, and flush the toilet!
In this age of modern technology and private citizens shuttling into space we tend to take such things as running water for granted. I, however, know better! We also tend to take certain members of the service sector for granted too. Once again, I know better! These hard-working men deserve our admiration and respect. These are the people who keep the incidentals of our daily lives functioning. And when they are genuinely caring and considerate for the service they perform and for the people they help, they should be hailed as true humanitarians. Sal could have just cleared the problem from the street without ever ringing my bell but he didn’t. He restored my faith in humanity, after being so discouraged by those nasty phone representatives. He rescued me from a horrendous flood and from losing faith in mankind, and so, I name him my hero.