I own a small business that in part, cleans and maintains ten buildings of a 55 + condo community in Florida. I started the company three years ago in order that my wife could remain working there as she had for other companies for the previous nine years.
She loves where she works. She idolizes the tenants that for twelve years have made her feel a part of their lives. And she is exactly that…. a part of their daily routine of retired life in South West Florida. They see her daily making sure their hallways are clean and social rooms presentable. She makes sure their Bingo Hall smells nice on Tuesday before they play. Many come from the north at summers end in escape of frigid winters and on arrival seek her out like long missed kin and she so relishes that.
I do hope that continues. After twenty nine years from planting her adventurous foot on that riverbank in Texas she goes forward every day with a work ethic and attitude my country sorely needs. She employs people and pays far more than industry average… and counts our numerous blessings as well as share them.
But I felt the first sting today and I loathe to mention it to her. A fairly new tenant of the community, having heard the chatter of the cleaning crew, came to question me …..
” Don’t you think you should hire Americans ?”
And so I had to be impolite and remind the lady that her unemployed grand children who come to visit in order to use the pool have never answered one of my job adds…. nor likely any one elses.
