The week that was is … almost … in the rear view mirror.

A brief but brutal winter storm last week that left frigid temperatures and ice coating Limestone County still showed signs of lingering effects — black ice, slippery rural roads, boil water advisories from broken pipes — even on Monday.

But with daytime temperatures broaching 50 degrees and warmer, road and other conditions impacted by the cold will continue to improve as the week goes along.

Next comes the clean up.

But first comes a thank you.

Emergency and essential workers — including those who kept the lights on at grocery stores and pharmacies and other vital places — were affected by the storm in ways that affected all of us, but with the reservation that they actually had to brave the weather in many ways most of us did not: They had to be on the road when accident emergencies arose; when water mains burst; when those who needed medical or life-saving services had no one else to turn to.

So, it’s simple but heartfelt: Thank you. You were there for us when we needed you — even when your own families needed you just as much.

And now that we’re thawing out, the “thank you”s must be extended to those whose service will take on increased efforts. … Mail carriers and other delivery services whose routes have been backed up by a week. Medical professionals who must now rework, reschedule and prioritize. Road and utility crews shifting from emergency to maintenance. Our sanitation workers who are now juggling two weeks of work into one.

The list goes on, and so should our recognition of that list by extending a thank you to those who went above and beyond as we meet them during our travels this week.

All of you who kept us safe on the roads, the lights on, the thermostat operating and our cupboards full taught us the meaning of selfless service.

Thank you.