Every morning, while the coffee is brewing and I’m getting my uniform on, I check the weather for the day. It’s an absolute obsession that developed over the years, and one that I never considered before I took up my satchel. But it’s become so important that even my children will ask me in the morning ‘What’s the weather, Dad?’ before I go through the door.
In Louisiana summer of 2023, it’s been a constant ‘heat advisory warning’, every day. Triple-digit heat indexes, high humidity, little to no wind. There’s the occasional thunderstorm, but that won’t really hit for a couple more months.
In the meantime, it’s a struggle to survive in this heat. Not all of us make it.
We’ve lost fellow carriers to the heat, one of whom died quite recently.
We will keep walking, keep driving, keep delivering. It will wear us down, but we get the occasional respite. Customers will leave water out for us, or step outside with a bottle of water.
Just so you know: we appreciate those of you who do this.
But we keep on. It’s harsh work, and it’s dangerous work for all that it seems safe. It’s simple, but not easy (more on that later) work. Sometimes, it kills us.
But the mail must be delivered, and while it might take us longer to get to you, never fear. You will get your mail.
All we ask is that if you see us taking more rest stops, respect it. We endure the elements for you; let us rest when we need to.
Swift's Corner 