September 2025

Labor Day

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Many years ago, my husband's cousin, Brian Cullen, said something very profound. He said, "It doesn't matter what you do for a living as long as you're passionate about it and do it to the best of your ability."  He went on to explain that being a school bus driver is as important as a rocket scientist. That made me chuckle a little because, you see, Brian was a rocket scientist. He was a pioneer of laser radar systems and a leader in the aerospace industry.  But, why did he say this I wondered. At the time he was writing a book about evolution by design and mathematics. Brian's brilliance in his field has made him appreciate all work in every field. Everyone's work and job is important to him no matter what that job is.

Writing this blog made me think about what Brian said back then which prompted me to give him a call...it was a wonderful call. He will be celebrating his 85th Birthday this Thanksgiving. I reminisced with him about what he said to my husband, Denis, years before. He added, "just look at the way the Japanese do their handicraft work. The wood polishers are so important." Brian's words exemplified his statement that every part of a finished product is important. He went on to say that the demise of a rocket going to the moon may just be a tile that fell off or a ring that malfunctioned.

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The conversation I had with Brian made me reflect on all the jobs I've had over the years that I felt were menial.  Often, they were jobs with low pay and were very boring and tedious. ​ But after remembering and speaking with Brian about his conversation with my husband I have a new and greater gratitude for the true meaning of being passionate about the fruits of our labor and what they contribute to our well-being and life and the life of others. Therefore, through Brian's words I've come to relize that every job I've had whether I felt it was menial or not contributed to the person I am today.  

So, as we commemorate Labor Day today,
​celebrate all the jobs you've had because each job contributed to the finished product and made you who you are today too!! 
​Celebrate YOU today!

Happy Labor Day!
Happy Tales to you,
​xoxo Yvonne