The past few weeks have been really hard for everyone around the world. This pandemic is hitting us harder than anything most of us ever expected to experience in our lifetimes. While it feels like the entire world has been put on pause, there are people all over the world who are still continuing to work through this pandemic.

Doctors, nurses, and all health professionals on the front lines are working harder than they ever have. Police, firefighters and researchers continue to go into work every day and fight this thing for the better of everyone around them. While they truly are heroes and deserve all the recognition in the world, this article is not about them.

This article is for all of the grocery store workers. Fast food and restaurant employees. Doordash and all other food delivery drivers. Accountants. Janitorial staff at hospitals, restaurants, and buildings all around the world who continue to work. They deserve recognition, too.

I have worked at the same restaurant for the past two years and have been deemed an essential worker in this pandemic. While I am very thankful to still be employed during this time, it can be overwhelming going into work at a salad kitchen when the world seems to be falling apart around me.

For the past few weeks, going into work has been, for lack of better words, scary. The restaurant is empty, aside from the employees, and most of our shifts are spent deep cleaning every inch of the place and sitting around wondering if anyone is going to order our food.

While it can seem like we are putting ourselves in danger for no reason at times when no one is ordering food, everything is put into perspective when someone orders delivery or comes through the drive-through. I am reminded of what human decency and kindness are. I am reminded that even in the darkest times, people have so much light in them.

The other day when I was dropping off a delivery, I went up to the door with my gloves on and was greeted by the nicest man who gave me a very nice tip and told me to continue to stay safe and healthy. This interaction made my whole day and reminded me why all of the employees like me are still working.

Just as people have been brightening my day at my job, employees continuing to work have been brightening others' days too.

Perhaps the only sense of normalcy some people can find is continuing to get their favorite salad every week from their favorite restaurant. And that is okay, and I am so happy I can be a part of that.

To all of the workers still working through this pandemic, thank you. Thank you for continuing to bring people happiness during these trying times. You will never know the impact you have made.