You’ve probably heard this before, but I think it bears repeating for the sake of this article.
The unofficial motto of the US Postal Services states this:
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
These words are found inscribed over the entrance to a New York City Post Office, but their origin has nothing to do with mail delivery or postal workers. They were written about the Persian wars by a historian who lived about 484 to 425 BC.
But despite their ancient application, many post men and women of today live by them. They do they best they can to get the mail out on time, whatever the weather.
Think about some of the things people are waiting for in the mail. Especially these days when we’re relying so heavily on delivery.
Do you appreciate what they have to go through to get the mail through?
A California man recently showed his gratitude.
During a bad rainstorm, Gregory Martinez of West Covina spotted his mailman delivering mail in the pouring rain. In the evening. In the dark.
He posted about it to his Facebook, and said this:
“So our mailman was out around 6:30 pm delivering our mail tonight unprepared for the pouring rain. I knew I had to help him in any way I was able to. Thank goodness I had a new plastic poncho put away so I decided to call him back.”
And Martinez didn’t just hand him the poncho and send him on his way.
His mailman was so burdened down with his mail bag, not to mention the headlight he was wearing on his head so he could see in the dark, he wasn’t able to get the poncho on himself.
Martinez and his daughter helped him get the poncho on.
And if you watch the video at the bottom you can see it was something of a struggle to get the poor guy geared up and on his way. But he is so appreciative. You can hear him exclaim. “Wow!”
According to a report by Sunny Skyz News, hearing that response was “priceless.”
Once they have him covered, he heads off with words of thanks, clearly living by the words that “neither snow nor rain” would stop him from his duty.
Martinez concluded his post with an admonition for all to take care of each other.
Thankfully, Martinez is not alone. Others step up to help mail carriers in many different ways.
A recent Reddit thread asked postal workers what could be done to help them as they deliver mail. Want to do something for your mail carrier? Here are some great ideas.
1. Be friendly, it only costs you some time.
Stop to say hi and ask how they’re doing. And if they’re cranky, cut them some slack. A lot of them are expected to complete their routes in less time than is often possible.
2. A cold drink on hot summer days
Many trucks/vans don’t have air conditioning. If you carrier arrives at a specific time every day, a bottle of ice-cold water brings relief.
3. Leave a note and let them know they are appreciated.
If you’re not a home during the or talking to people isn’t your thing, just leave a note. It will mean a lot.
4. Don’t park in front of your mailbox.
I’ve never thought about this, but I can see why it would upset them!
5. Think about how cold they must get in the winter.
How about leaving them handwarmers on a cold day? Or a gift card to a local coffee or donut shop?
6. Teach your dog the mail carrier is not a threat.
Seriously, people. Get your pets under control.
Maybe you’ll never get a chance to rush outside and provide a brand-new rain poncho like Martinez and his daughter did, but there are many opportunities to show your support to your mail carrier. Assuming of course, that you have a good mail carrier to start with.
So keep them in mind as they deliver your mail in…
“…snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…
Watch the touching footage in the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
