Today is a thank you to the heroic essential workers of Austin… They say you never forget where you were when you experience a traumatic or life-changing event and for me, that is 100% true. I am from Oklahoma and I can tell you that I have never met one Oklahoman who will ever forget where they were on the day of the Oklahoma City bombing. I am sure many people can say the same thing about the September 11th attacks as well.

Both of those days changed our world forever and both of those days will be forever etched in my memory for the exact same reason; the first responders. Those brave men and women who fearlessly and heroically rushed into burning buildings to save lives without hesitation. The police officers, firefighters, nurses, doctors, EMTs, and many ordinary citizens who decided to do extraordinary things in times of need. It was in those very dark and uncertain times, I had the opportunity to see the very best in humanity.

Today, we are yet again in, what feels like dark and uncertain times. While I am not at all comparing senseless acts of terrorism to a global pandemic, I find myself inspired by the heroic acts of the many men and women who are on the front lines serving our communities.

To the many medical professionals, firefighters, and police officers, who are unable to work from home; who are being asked to do more with less; who are risking their health and safety each day to save the lives of strangers. I say, THANK YOU! While many of us are quarantined at home, thank you for giving up time with your families to serve those in need. Thank you for your Bravery. You are undeniably heroes and I am grateful for your commitment to providing care to those in need no matter the circumstance.

To the Restaurants who have been forced to close their doors to patrons and are now wondering how they will pay their bills; how they will pay their staff; and if they will survive even after they are able to reopen; I can’t imagine how crippling the loss of revenue has been to your business. Yet, you have made the decision to serve you community by providing free meals to those who are now unemployed and cannot afford to pay their bills let alone, buy groceries. To you I say, THANK YOU! Thank you to La Crema Bakery & Café. Thank you to Tso Chinese Delivery. Thank you to Franklin BBQ. Thank you to Estancia Brazilian Steakhouse. Your selfless acts of kindness in a time when so many Austinites are hurting is nothing short of inspiring!

To the Grocery store staff and delivery drivers who get up day after day and leave their families in order to ensure that we can get food for ours. I say, THANK YOU! In the middle of a global pandemic you are doing your best to stock shelves, man cash registers, and deliver groceries. I can assure you that my family is very grateful for the essential work you are doing. You are on the front lines serving your community and I assure you; your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to address all the Mama’s out there. I saved the moms for last because, let’s be real, we are usually last because we put everything before ourselves. If you are anything like me, you have been in the house for weeks with your husband, baby, and dogs. Maybe you have been trying to work from home, keep the house somewhat clean, entertain a baby or homeschool your children (May God be with you), cook 3 meals a day with a limited supply of groceries, and trying not to lose your ever loving mind. We may all be weeks away from starring in our very own episode of “Snapped”. I know how exhausted you are, I know the anxiety some of you are feeling, and I know how hard you are working to give your children a sense of normalcy in an abnormal situation. To you sweet mamas I say, THANK YOU!

We will get through this and I hope that when we do, we become a stronger, kinder, and more generous Austin because of people like you!

Destiny Harris
Destiny is a Sooners fan who happened to marry a Longhorns fan and they live happily ever after 8 months out of the year. As a first first-time mom to a 6-month-old baby girl, she is currently focusing on surviving the teething stage and functioning on 3 hours of sleep a night. She considers herself a reality TV connoisseur and Bravoholic who tries to live every day like Andy Cohen is watching. You can follow her motherhood journey on Instagram @thenoninstamom.

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