The US Department of Labor tells us The history of Labor Day in the United States dates back in September 5, 1882 in New York City in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. By 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday to celebrate Labor Day, as originally proposed by the union. Since then, the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date.
Before I was a contributing member of the “workforce” of America, it meant another day off school and time to spend at home with my family while the TV ran all day and night as we watched the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. In 1966, the first year of the telethon, he raised a little over $1,000,000. Last year, 2009, that number was over $60 million. That, my friends, represents a lot of work. 44 years of service, 44 years of year-round work.This week I’ll be 49. I can’t remember a Labor Day that I did not catch a glimpse of Jerry Lewis or that I didn’t find at least $20, whether I had it or not.
As I sit at home, with a laptop USB cord draped around my neck, waiting to download pictures from a new listing, I remember the tape measure that draped over my mother’s shoulders as she sewed many a cheerleading outfit, a Halloween costume or a new dress. I remember also, the yarns and crochet needles that my grandmother draped across her neck and lap while creating one of many afghans that she gave to each of us grandchildren. These women were not paid for their work, but today I celebrate those hours of work and while my grandmothers have passed, I’m wishing my mom and others like her, a day off ~ but then there’s the Mother’s Day holiday. Oh well, there are never enough days to say thank you are there?
Since I’ve been in real estate, I don’t think I’ve taken a Labor Day weekend off either, come to think of it! This is always a time that people want to see homes, have traveled to Tallahassee to spend time with family and friends or simply had a few days off in a row to see the homes they wanted to see. Being a Realtor and being available to people many times means sacrificing holidays and weekends and evenings. This afternoon, I will be working with a lady from Queens, NY and her family that live nearby in Quincy, FL, another area I service. I’m actually looking forward to it. If you’re going to work, love what you do, or find something else to do ~ advice from a friend many years ago. Cheers to all my Realtor friends, many of whom I already checked in with on Twitter this morning as then began their Labor Days as well.
So, It’s been a few weeks since I blogged, and today, my Labor day consists of catching up with the postings here and on the 365 Things To Do in and Around Tallahassee blog subject, featured here and as a page on Facebook. Later this afternoon, I have about 4 hours of showing properties and helping a customer from Queens find her retirement home here in Tallahassee!
How do you spend your Labor Day holiday?