Supermarket strike and lockout in California:

I am the one with the picket sign that was almost hit in the parking lot by someone's car.
 on a break.

I am the one that hugs you when you come through my line, because you just told me your heartbreaking news of your lost loved one.

I am the one that hasn't enjoyed a Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day or The Fourth of July with my family in years, because "I am there to serve you."

I am the one that pulls in the grocery carts in the rain.

I am the one that you come to for the special cuts of meat you just have to have to make your meal perfect.

I am the one that works in the middle of the night to fill the shelves while you sleep.

I am the one that makes those beautiful flower arrangements for your Valentine.

I am the one that arrives very early to prepare the rolls, the bread, and meat platters for the funeral or your family event.

I am the one that selects the right watermelon and ripe pineapple for you.

I am the one "they" promised if I give up all my evenings, all my weekends, and all my holidays with my family, "THEY WILL REWARD" me with a decent pension and benefit plan, so I won't need to go on welfare when I am old.

I am the one people yell at and am told to stop whining and get back to work.

I am the one who continues to try to inform the public of the very, very poor contract language.

I am the one who is desperately trying to raise my family and live the American Dream.

I am the one that is standing on the sidewalk with my sign asking you to please respect my picket line, because I THOUGHT I earned the right to expect my company to follow through with their promises.

I am the one that appreciates all your support these last weeks and need you to stay strong in support in the weeks ahead.