Betsy Kath: Gratitude, not gripes

A neighbor recently handed me a paper that read: “Disgusted with the NCDOT paving Amelia Church Road at night, below are the phone numbers to call.” Listed were numbers for NCDOT engineers, state and county officials. I called them: “Thank you for resurfacing the pavement in front of my home!”

At 3 a.m. recently, my husband and I woke to a powerful vibration and rumbling. Outside in the dark, we saw a crew of dedicated workers resurfacing our road. What a beautiful well choreographed “dance,” accomplishing this complicated task without disrupting rush hour traffic. One worker acknowledged me with a nod and blinding light from his headlamp.

In minutes the road was edged, asphalt laid, and the steam roller pressed it smooth while the tireless “lead vehicle” escorted cars safely through.

I wished my grandsons could see these heavy machines and people working. I imagined the rapid fire questions they would toss at me about the process.

Loss of sleep is a small price for a powerful lesson about the planning and coordination required to work on busy roads. Thank you to NCDOT engineers, workers, officials. We often take their work for granted and even complain about it.

This story was originally published September 22, 2016 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Betsy Kath: Gratitude, not gripes."