Ulog #4: In Respect to the Hands That Get Dirty
Today, I feel sad about our final meeting with Mario, our maintenance guy. He is retiring and it breaks my heart that I can't see him around anymore. The next time I'll be visiting his fabrication shop, it wouldn't be as busy anymore. I can no longer hear his sharp voice in the midst of prevailing smell of rust and melting metals.
Mario the Maintenance Guy
My old man is already retiring after 30 years of service in thesame company that I am working for. I've been here for 4 years now and he's always been my go-to guy with almost everything: plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, stainless and aluminum fabrication, machine repair and maintenance. He never says no to my crazy ideas and instantaneous favors. We had so many successful projects in the past that also built our friendship.
He didn't get in to college but I've always been in awe with his technical skills. Actually, it was partly my fault that he is leaving. I gave him the idea of taking up a vocational course at TESDA to be certified in refrigeration installations and repairs. Now, he is out to seek greener pastures as he prepares for this senior years.
Dignity in Dirty Works
While we sit in the comforts of our air conditioned offices, guys like mario have their hands dirty, exposed to harsh scorching heat outside to do tasks that others are not willing to do. If you were to ask me, these maintenance guys keep our production plant running. They are the back bone of all its operations. They are valuable assets of the business. If a machine breaks down, who do we call?- the maintenance guys. Money is lost from downtime of repair works and much more is lost without these guys.
The Underappreciated Work
During lunch, Mario and his team sits in a separate table, usually drenched in sweat with greased pants and muddy boots. Sometimes, I join them because their jokes are so much better than office people. Haha
It saddens me that when I talk to some people about how I admire Mario's work, no one would care or show interest as much as I do.
People at work respect salespersons, supervisors and managers , but we fail to appreciate the people who do the dirty work. When I asked Mario what made him stay for 30 years, he said he takes pride in what he does. He draws meaning to his work knowing that he is responsible in improving the work environment of people and making sure everything in the machine room is running smoothly
I have so much praise and respect for Mario. He finds dignity in his work even if his labour is undervalued by the general public. We may no longer be connected professionally, but we will always be friends. Infact we're facebook friends now because I taught him how to create an account yesterday. Haha. We will definitely still be checking on each other.
How about you? Do you know people like Mario?
That's all for today. Thanks for your time.
@anneporter I am a fan of yours by the way! I loved reading your blog. There are lots of undervalued hardworking people everywhere! And what you said is true about them.
There are a lot of people who didn't graduated college but are so damn good compared to the ones who have a degree! Just like in my line of work. I am a civil engineer but I always run to our trusted foreman in terms of technical expertise because they are the ones who have mastered the industry even though they have no formal education. There years of work is their teacher! and I applaud people like them! Because the generation now is quite different! Most would want a shortcut to success.
Anyways, thank you so much for your inspiring blogs! Keep it coming!
Hugs and kisses from me!
Aw. Thats so sweet @indayclara thank u for taking time to read. Im a chemical engineer too...i only know the theory of how things work but got the technical know-how from these people.
I also believe these people should be paid more. Companies save so much money by these people who make sure things are running smoothly.
Your welcome @anneporter! :-) We have the same sentiments!
yaaay nasulti na nimo tanan nako ganahan isulti @indayclara :D
May God bless kuya Mario in his new journey :D Mingawon pud na siya nimo @anneporter <3
You have a big heart! I love the idea that you would sometimes join the maintenance people...
Mayta managhan ang sama nimo nga naay dakong pagtan-aw sa sama nila og kahimtang
good luck to Mario! :) its too bad he is going, but yea.. life moves.. all that. nice tribute post. bte, i dabble in aluminum fabrication so yea.. i know someone.. NOT!
Thanks @chinito!!! . Yeah. And i have to move on too.haha
Hae ann... love your heart already. Kuya Mario must be very lucky to have you as his workmate, comrade, friend or should I say, daughter at work. Those with dirty hands because of dignified works are worth to be appreciated. I remember some of the stories of our janitors in our school and those were really inspirational. Kung pwede palang mutabang nila to pursue their dreams also. 😥 Thanks for sharing this one Ann. It reminds me that I need not to stop in respecting and loving workers like kuya Mario.
Thanks for taking time @morken. Hehe. We really can draw inspiration from different people.....people are amazing. Like how i get inspired by your energy hehe
Wow!!! Thank you... but this energy can’t do the pole dancing hahahahah