Happy Labor Day! The holiday weekend seems to mark the beginning of fall with cooler weather and pumpkin-spiced everything. There is something grounding in the start of a new season, a gentle reminder that even during a pandemic things continue to change and life moves forward.

This holiday in particular often emphasizes shopping sales, celebrations with family, and the final long weekend before the full swing of fall schedules set in – sometimes the original focus of the holiday feels lost. We’d like to take some time today to recognize those for whom this holiday was intended: laborers. As the U.S. Department of Labor explains, the holiday acknowledges “the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” One of the inspiring aspects of Labor Day is that it does not celebrate just one person or one group, it is a recognition of all of us who work hard every day to take care of our families, communities, and each other. Today we are especially thinking of those whose employment has been impacted by COVID, those who are unemployed, under-employed, furloughed, or career searching. And, we want to express deep appreciation and gratitude to those who have sacrificed and put themselves at risk in order to ensure the continuation of support and care for all of us.

We hope today is a time for all of you to enjoy your families, to mark the start of a new season, and to celebrate the hard work that you have done.

Wendi & Jessica

photo credit: personal photo