I got to take a vacation
Several years ago I was cast in a play called Nickel and Dimed. The play is a real story with the names changed to protect the subjects of the experiment. Here is an excerpt about which the play is written.
"Barbara Ehrenreich's non-fiction bestseller, Nickel and Dimed, is the story of an essay writer who went undercover as a low wage worker to find out how non-skilled workers make ends meet. The experiment took place in Florida, Maine, and Minnesota, with the author finding a job and lodgings in each location. The experiment was to be held for one month in each location, working full time and living only off the amount of money earned in low-wage jobs. The goal was to determine whether or not the author could both live off the money earned and have enough money at the end of the month to pay the next month's rent." (Source WikiSummaries) https://wikisummaries.org/nickel-and-dimed-on-not-getting-by-in-america/
In this play, I was cast as 6 different characters one of whom had a closing monolog that has stayed with me since I said it and when I go on vacation I recall it each time. The role was Maddy. She was a housekeeper for a service that went to rich people's houses to clean. She was also a mother to two little children for whom she could not afford care often leading her to have the older child (about 5) watch over the little one and himself when she went to work. Her struggle is detailed in the story of the play about having to work to care for her children but having not enough money to pay for care for her children. She is tormented by this in the play and terrified of the consequences if anyone found out she left her children alone. Mind you, the play is based on real people and their struggles.
At the end of the play, Maddy is asked a question: Was she jealous of rich people and all they had? Maddy responds:
"Hell no, who would want to have so much stuff you'd have to hire someone to clean it?" She then goes on to state a very powerful line. "I lied. There is one thing I'm jealous of....they get to take a vacation".
Whenever I have the luxury of going on vacation, this woman's words ring in my ears. She couldn't even afford daycare, never mind a vacation.
This past week, I got to go to Aruba and just have a vacation. No responsibilities, no worries, no anxieties. Just rest, relaxation and fun. I am very grateful to have a job that gives me 5 weeks of vacation every year. I am grateful I have a well paying job that I don't "Just get by". I am grateful for the friend who booked the vacation and did all the leg work and I didn't have to do any of the planning. I am grateful for the time with my four beautiful friends. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had, that I shared, and that I experienced. Most of all, I am thankful for all the workers in the resort, people who reminded me to be humble that I can go on vacation and remind me it's a luxury and that I have nothing to complain about while I'm there, in paradise, on vacation. Every day I saw people working so hard at making sure we were all happy. The housekeepers were unbelievable. They smiled and said good morning every time they saw us. I wondered as I looked at them with utmost admiration, how many of them struggled like these characters I played. As I was preparing to check out, one housekeeper in particular I had chatted with (In spanish), I told her I was sad. When she asked why I told her I had to go home. She told me not to be sad, that I was able to experience Aruba and that I had a vacation and I would probably be back. She said this with a smile, appreciating that I got a vacation and was going to my home. She radiated joy, this woman, as she is working so hard and then consoling me about leaving. Her soul is good and you could see that. I was grateful to have met her and get to experience the joy she has, but most of all, I am grateful she reminded me, I got to take a vacation.
Never take for granted all that you have and if you look deep enough, you'll see you have much for which to be grateful.