A Love Letter to Maine’s Workforce Who Don’t Get a Snow Day

There are those of us who count our blessings being able to stay warm and safe inside our homes during cold weather snaps and brutal storms in Maine. To the people who are still working outside while the rest of us don’t, this is for you. 

During this absolutely unhinged weather that has settled over Maine, when the wind cuts through layer and even breathing hurts, there are still those of us who don’t get the option to stay inside.  

They lace up their boots, take a deep breath, pull on frozen gloves, and head out anyway, because the job still needs to get done.

For the Mainers Who Show Up Anyway

Like Sasha Ducharme, who is a mail carrier in Lewiston, Maine, making sure our packages reach out doorsteps no matter how slick the roads get or how stiff her fingers become. Or Alex Demers with the Newburgh Fire Rescue, standing ready in freezing temps, knowing that emergencies don’t wait for better weather. Or Sam Sturgis from Auburn, delivering groceries so people can eat without having to brave the weather themselves.

These are just three names, but they represent thousands more.  

From construction crews in the cold, utility workers restoring power in the dark, government employees, highway crews, first responders, delivery drivers, sanitation workers and so many more, people whose jobs don’t pause just because the temperature drops below zero.

Thank you.  

Thank you is not enough, we know.  

But we hope you know, that you are the reason our lives keep moving. You are the reason roads are plowed, shelves are stocked, packages arrive, and help shows up when it’s needed most.  

Your work is often quiet, sometimes overlooked, and always essential. 

Read More: Open Letter to Lady in Make-Up Aisle at Walmart in Auburn, Maine

So if no one’s told you lately: thank you. 

Thank you for your resilience.
Thank you for your grit.
Thank you for showing up when it’s hard.