Maybe it’s because I’m “a certain age” or I’m just a curmudgeon, but boy do I have a catalog of hobbies.

The people trailing behind are head and shoulders at the top of the list. Maybe I can, in a way, justify this hassle because it can be dangerous. However, many of the others just irritate me for no particular reason, except, well, I don’t know, just because.

As an example, I really yank my chain when I discover that stupid, nonsensical, ridiculous, even offensive, “fashion style” of pants buttoned below the butt. The way I see it, if you have to waddle, holding your pants up with one hand so they don’t come down to your ankles, you might want to rethink the way you dress; just say. I don’t know why he annoys me so much, but I admit it, he does.

Another annoyance of mine is the “inflation” of the word “hero”, now he is tasked with representing just about anyone who does what is expected of them, or even less, without sacrifice of their own.

“She is a true hero, she walks her dog every day.”

“My kids are heroes, they clean their rooms without being asked.”

Come on! Actually? Can I be a hero because I paid my bills or managed to get out of my pajamas; drowning out the terror and resulting paralysis that I overcome on a daily basis during the pandemic? No I dont think so. We’re all doing it, and by definition, we can’t all be heroes.

One definition of a hero is “a person who is noted for acts of courage or nobility of character; or who, in the opinion of others, has achievements, abilities, or special personal qualities and is held up as a role model or ideal.”

In fact, the crisis we find ourselves in has produced genuine, real and tangible heroes who, despite the risk, continue to move forward, contributing to the common good and endangering their own.. Amidst all the chaos, confusion, and anxiety these days, I felt it an honor, as well as an appropriate one, to call upon you.

Thanks to the delivery guys; UPS, FedEx, Post Office employees and everyone else that brings us who are “refugees in place” what we must do to the best of our ability in dire circumstances. Daily exposure to the virus is played with to supply us with almost everything we need; office supplies to cosmetics and groceries. We have overlooked your contributions for far too long. They are the arteries that keep us functional and (mostly) sane. Thank you for your continued service.

On the subject of needs, who would have thought that our role models would include employees and staff at grocery stores, hardware stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and other businesses deemed “essential”? They may be crucial to the public good, but maintaining that good can be detrimental to those who show up at work every day, protected from exposure only (and not always) by thin latex gloves, social distancing, and if they’re “lucky” “, a plastic shield between them and us. Thanks for your service.

Certainly no disrespect to the above, but first and foremost, thank you, thank you, thank you, and a thousand times more, to the literal front lines of this war: healthcare providers, doctors, nurses, medical assistants, medical personnel. technicians, emergency teams, even administrative staff. Tragically and wrongly, they are under-equipped, overloaded and stretched beyond breaking points. Yet at extreme personal risk, they, like wave after wave of soldiers who invaded Normandy during World War II, continue to march, heads down, toward the beach, bombarded non-stop, relentless in their mission. Your own personal health and safety have become secondary to the needs of the sick, sick, and scared. They didn’t sign up to be soldiers; instead, they choose to dedicate their lives to the healing arts. Yet there they are, the brave, fearless and committed heroes who form the vanguard in this battle for survival. There are no words for the thanks and appreciation we have for your sacrifice and service. I just know, and I know that if we could do more, we could.

When this is all over, there won’t be a ticker parade down Fifth Avenue. We will not be able to greet the men and women returning to Homefront. No keys to the city will be handed over while a grateful community cheers for their sacrifices. However, it is they who will have returned us to the light. It is they who will restore our personal and public health. They are the ones we own so much and we will never be able to repay that debt.

“Thank you” sounds hollow but feels so deeply. We see you. You matter. We care. In our eyes, you are modern day angels.

Please be careful. Be healthy. Take care of each other.