This morning (Friday) I left my house and within a couple of blocks had found myself behind the town garbage truck. As I watched them throw bags of household waste into the back of the large vehicle I waited patiently. I was taught that every job is important and never should be taken for granted.

As the men worked, one of them picked up a portion of a wooden fence that was being thrown out. It was obviously broken as he dragged it across the ground to the truck. As he did, two large pieces fell off the fence. I anticipated that the worker would retrieve them. They were large and probably had nails in them plus they were lying in the middle of the street.

No sooner had he heaved the fence in the truck, he jumped in the cab and drove off. I sat there, not moving my car, wondering why he didn't pick up the pieces of the fence. It was clearly garbage and could become a problem for passing cars.

I was taught to take pride in what you do - perform to the best of your ability. What happened to this man? What does this job represent to him? When did he stop caring...if he cared at all?