Many years ago I remember going for a morning run a few days before an important college cross country meet. I was only a few steps out of the door when I noticed a distinct pain in my smallest toe, more commonly referred to as the “pinkie” toe. I figured this would slowly loosen up and cease to hurt, but yet it stayed with me during the entire run. I had hoped the pain would subside the next day, but it was actually worse. Hoping a day off would cure this, I tried to return to running but now discovered I could barely move at all. Such a small toe was probably not even weight-bearing, I thought. “How could something so minor and seemingly insignificant be so impactful?”
Fortunately, two days later the pain mysteriously disappeared and I was able to compete on the weekend. I return to this often during the holiday season as it is a good reminder for me to remember all those seemingly “minor” and “insignificant” parts of my life that are nonetheless very important. I don’t often think about thanking people who ensure we have power to our homes, but I was certainly glad there were crews willing to work throughout the night during last January’s ice storm. I don’t often acknowledge the waste management and recycling service workers, but I certainly notice it if I have to go more than two weeks before my trash is picked up. Barely a thought goes toward road maintenance workers until there are a bunch of potholes in the road. As we move toward the end of the calendar year, it is a good time to reflect and think about all those “pinkie” toes that have an impact on our lives. I certainly have many people to thank this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jim Weeks
