I want to recognize Douglas Goforth, Solid Waste Equipment Operator I, for a simple but meaningful moment that showed what Cariño (genuine intentional care and kindness) looks like in action.
It was an early weekday morning during our usual daycare drop-off. Out of nowhere, my 2-year-old spots a City garbage truck down the street and lights up.
Keeping in mind, garbage truck drivers are heroes just like firefighters and mail carriers thanks to shows like Blippi and Ms. Rachel. Full disclosure, we sing the “Garbage Truck” and “Fire Truck” songs almost every car ride.
As the truck got closer, she waved with all the toddler excitement she had. Douglas saw her, smiled big, leaned out, and honked. Though only for a short second, that exact moment made her day. And it made mine, too.
Douglas didn’t just do his job, he connected. And in this hard season of parenting, that small act meant a lot. It even brought back my own childhood memories of waving at semi-trucks before cell phones came about with hopes for a honk back.
It was fun. It was heartfelt. And it mattered. Douglas, thank you for seeing my daughter.
You reminded me that the work we do matters, not just because of what we do but because of how we show up for others.
From: Diamond Medina, HR Analyst, Human Resources
