To most people, holidays are a time to rest, sleep, play music, watch movies, plan hangouts or picnics, take pictures, make memories and all sorts of fun activities. But then, most people forget that for every enjoyment or fun they are having, someone somewhere is making that to happen, someone is making them enjoy the moment, someone has to be at work that day for them to really have fun as well, and that someone somewhere needs to be up early for every celebration, fun activities and whatever to be a success.
There was a particular holiday morning, a day when every other person can decide to leave their bed at any time, a day when every other person would have considered a day of rest or one to have fun. That day, I woke up as early as 4:30 am. About ten minutes later, my phone rang, it was a call from one of the many caterers that I work for. We had talked about the work before and I had assured her I would be around.
"Good morning, Toyo."
."Good morning ma'am." I responded.
"Please, are you still coming?"
"Yes." I answered her.
"Thank you dear, please help come with the dishes, pots and all you have available as well."
"Okay ma." I responded as she hung up the call.
Believe me, I was already tired and sick even before the day began. I finished sourcing for the various things I was asked to come along with some few minutes to 6.am. By the time I was able to get a tricycle that would help pack it all to where it was needed it was already 6.am. We packed it all and zoomed off. During all those times we were arranging the dishes in the tricycle, I was already hearing the sound of music in the distance. It was obvious it was a celebration period, people were preparing to wear their new clothes and shoes in celebration, while I was preparing to work.
I got there, the gate was locked, so I just offloaded my loads outside and paid the driver. I went in to call others to help so we could move the needed things in. Guess what I saw inside, big pots of rice were already on the fire, some women were already rinsing the meat, some were slicing onions and all. Everyone was busy, I had thought it was just a simple catering work, I never knew it was something that big/much.
There was no time to waste, it's obvious the day will be a very busy one. I moved to the washing part, began washing the plates, spoons, coolers, cups, pots and all that will be used. In moments like that, you don't even remember to talk, your hands do the talking by getting itself busy with whatever it finds doing.
By 12noon, everybody was already sweating, the sun was on the high side compounded with the fire and smoke of the firewood we were using to all. We have time, or let's call it a deadline to meet. My boss wouldn't stop checking the time. We have to be at the event venue by 2.pm. The guest will start arriving by then. So we would need to set up too and serve them. At a point, I had to step out of the gate to breathe in good fresh air and not the smoke filled one I've been breathing in since. As I was about to step in back, two ladies walked past me discussing, I had one of them speak out loud and said, "holiday mood, celebration mood..." I just nod my head and went in.
Not long after, we were done and was busy packing them into coolers, dishing some into take aways, counting the one served in disposable plates and arranging them. The thing is as we were busy sweating and doing that, some were under the AC waiting for us to come serve them while they busy their mouth eating and complaining about the saltiness of the food, the softness of the meat and all, while still requesting for more.
In such a situation, we were not usually seen. People talk down at us and all, but then that's what our work entails. You need to be very patient to work as a caterer and an usher for events. By the time we were done, it was late already. I cleaned up myself, picked up my cross bag and walked out. My boss was obviously very happy. While outside I took another look at the event hall. People were still enjoying themselves while drinking various wines and soft drinks, it seems as if another round of celebration was starting for them again as they clinked glasses and laughed.
This happened last Christmas, I had gotten a shoe and clothes for myself as well, but I didn't get to wear it or even take pictures. One thing I learned though, is that tables turn, it might be my turn to have fun and celebrate tomorrow while some are busy working it out. And that's how life is, there are some that are always busy working just so others can enjoy, rest or have fun. So, to make a celebration a success, there are some working silently somewhere, even though they might end up being unseen.
Images are mine.
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