THe LaBouR oF LoVe

The heart was wrenching and there was just no mood for talking last night. I was having another marathon hours of working. My body told me I had not recovered yet from the last marathon. And looking ahead I have 2 more marathons, day after another. I was working marathon even on Christmas, Deepavali, both Rayas and now again on New Year. I started to query if it was fair enough for myself when people were actually celebrating these events while I have to work.


Some of the colleagues are selfish to say, because they wanted to celebrate all these events, and ended up, people like me have to work on all FESTIVALS could offer this year end. Then I spoke to myself solemnly, if I refused to work after all selfish people didn't want to work, no one will be working this festive season and the public will suffer the most. So, hesitantly, I took up the job.

I was browsing through the internet reading articles when I came to this article in the star online news. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/28/central/19860107&sec=centralfile=/2007/12/28/central/19860107&sec=central . The title was catchy. I started reading and it touched me so deeply. The labour of love. It's so true. And at last, someone recognized us! At least, my work never goes unnoticed.

Many of a time, we don't realize that people who serve us during festival is not a co-incident and they are not robot as well. They are simple people like anyone else who celebrate festivals as everyone. But due to job commitments, they have to work even on holidays to make sure that these holidays go on smoothly. Many just don't notice these details.

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Who would serve you food if the restaurants have no one to work. Who will treat you, if the hospital is closed. Who will come to rescue you if there was a fire and no people are working. It's so easy to obtain the service but these people are like everyone who yearn to celebrate the festivals with their close ones. They, who put service above self and yet gotten any recognition. I don't deny that working on a holiday will get to one's nerve, though professionalism should be maintained. Understanding from the people is very much needed. And if only everyone would be co-operative and discard selfishness, then perhaps everyone can celebrate these festivals in turns. Thus, the systems should be better organized.

My greatest reward last night was when someone said genuinely to my face, Thank you. So, I whispered to myself that at least I was not alone. Then the rings called. Quickly, I put on a smile on my face, left the computer and responded to my work again. Perhaps, it's the labour of love keeps me going on.... So, to all people who have to work on this new year, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!