Let me say that I'm so, so sorry for what you and all the other essential workers have been through these last couple of years. You all have been the glue that has held things together. My oldest daughter works for a grocery chain, and the stories she's told me about dealing with customers during the pandemic are appalling. People are horrible.

I do work remotely, and I do know how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to do that. I try to pay it forward and put a little positive energy out into the universe. I always wear a mask in any establishment that requests it, because maybe that will make the employees will feel just a tiny bit safer and I figure it's the least I can do. And I tip delivery people very generously too. I order from Costco about once a month and always tip at least $25, because I always have a few flats of soda in there, and those are heavy and a pain to schlep in and out of the car. I know $25 won't change anyone's life, but maybe it will change their day for the better and pay for a couple days of lunches, or some gas, or let them get a special treat for their kid. I placed an order on Christmas Eve, and when I realized what a zoo it had to be over there, I upped my tip to $50. I IM'd the delivery person and told him it takes a brave soul to venture into Costco on Christmas Eve and I really appreciated it. Last week we ordered takeout from our favorite local Mexican place that has really struggled to stay open during the pandemic, and I put $20 into the tip jar.

I know it's not much. My husband and I have been very, very fortunate through this whole nightmare, but so many other people haven't been, and the stories I read about people being treated so horribly are just awful. If a generous tip makes life a little easier for someone who has had to put up with an unbelievable amount of crap in the last couple years, then I'm glad to do ir.