The human race has a tendency to think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

We sometimes never appreciate what we already have and waste so much time trying to achieve that better life for ourselves when in reality we probably won't like it when we get there, especially when it probably was in front of our eyes all along.

There are things that we take for granted everyday; like a sunset, a simple smile, the laugh of a child at play, the sound of a bird and the colours of the rainbow, to be able to hold a newborn baby in your arms, to bottle feed a lamb, the scent of a flower, the taste of icecream or to see the ocean, the sky of blue and the stars at night, the kiss of your first love, the sound of a melody coming from a musical instrument, a tree full of blossom in spring time, the smell of the air before it rains and the sound it makes on a galvanised iron roof and a thousand more.

But most of all, it's the people who give so much of themselves to their communities and sometimes they don't even receive a thankyou.

I'm talking about teachers who educate your children in the necessities of life, the doctors who not only bring you into the world, but with a lot of sleepless nights they try to make sure you have a long and healthy life.

The ambulance officer who tries to get you in the quickest and safest time to receive the medical treatment you need.

The nurses who walk endless hallways being treated with contempt and sometimes abused, treating all men, women and children with scrapes, burns, flues, cancers and virus; too many to mention, with the same professionalism that has been around since Florence Nightingale.

The police officer who tries to make sure4 that you or your loved one gets to their destination safe and well without becoming either another fatality or hospital case fighting for your life because of an act of stupidity.

The farmer who works daylight to dark and sometimes beyond, without time off for weekends, holidays and penalty rates, sick pay, tea money and call out pay to feed the 95 per cent of Australians who are not farmers.

The firefighters who protect our homes, property and out communities, not to mention our loved ones, along with no pay at all.

The charity worked who if not for these individuals, there would be many cold and homeless people who would not only be doing it tough, but they would be going without food and still more dying alone simply because they have too much pride and don't wish to be a burden on anyone.

But then there are the aged care workers, as like the nurse, they too are on their feet from when they start to when they finish, toileting, showering, feeding, hugging, talking, massaging, reading to the people in their care while wiping up their vomit, excrement and tears. Then there are the true friends who will be there for you morning, noon or night, no matter what the problem is., simply because you would be there for them if the situation was reversed.

But most of all it's our parents who give so much of themselves to their children and grandchildren so they will not only be able to pass on the traditions and stories of their families past but also be educated with the knowledge to survive a world so far different to the generations that came before them.

Last but not least, it's the person you gave your heart to, and eventually married, who you would do anything for, even to give you own life to save theirs.

Plus, what are these people worth? I'd say they're priceless.

Wouldn't you?

Stephen Snow,

Lachlan Street,

Cowra.