I appreciated this so much. Thank you. I worked at the post office in my college town to pay for my tuition, and let me tell you, that was often a thankless job. But I was so grateful for the work, for my friends who would sometimes visit me in the dank, windowless room, and for kind customers. I can still pretty accurately guess the postage of an envelope or small package by holding in my hand. What a bizarre party trick. I am so effusively happy every time I see someone delivering my mail. I know the magic that gets one piece of mail from one destination to another: it’s not really magic, but a lot of work. May we all learn from Mailman Mike.
I now live literally right across the street from the library and a 5 minute walk from a small local post office (where the woman who usually pulls the weekend shift is honestly a whole vibe!) When I take time to think about it, it can really hit me about how awesome these spaces are there for the public. The ultimate in spaces for the common good. Some of the best aspects of government, right? I do sometimes wonder if they had not been such an integral part of our nation’s fabric from the beginning if we would have the will to create them today. Feels like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a movement to create a public good. And yet, I think it’s something most people crave…
It's a great point (about all the beloved institutions-- like post offices and libraries and public schools) which would be decried as too radical and socialist if we didn't already have them.
Right? I’m working my way through the The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert Putnam which is really fascinating. I don’t think we fully appreciate how big of an upheaval the Industrial Revolution was - so many parallels to what we are currently going through. Putnam talks about how we go through regular cycles of societal “me” vs “we” thinking and that we are due to be shifting into a we orientation, similar to a shift that happened at the beginning of 20th century (when communities came together in a movement to create public high schools and better sanitation in cities etc). Though hopefully without the built-in racism this time. Lots to chew on.
I'll also say, albeit deeply imperfect, it matters that the pandemic provided people with a few more (temporary, sadly) examples of a government social net that they appreciated (emergency public health infrastructure, student loan pauses, and most of all checks to parents!)
And yes! USPS is the best. My dad retired from being a rural mail carrier, he knew everyone on his route. And, oh! The goodies he would get at Christmas from all the appreciative folks for his consistent extra mile.
Mike is a lovely and humble human being, I appreciate his take on the gestures made as being part of making his day at work better too, kindness counts. People in public facing roles should give it a try, if they don't already incorporate the Golden Rule in their routine, they'll find the benefit returns in kind. My brother was a smiling UPS driver for 30 years, we had to find a very large facility for his memorial service because he was like Mike. Be like Mike 💛
Agree 100% on all fronts. And that's so lovely about your brother. It's so beautiful to discover (in moments of remembering and celebration) who has truly left a mark on their community and why they were so beloved.
This is really lovely-- I'm always so interested in hearing about the specifics of what exactly people do to foster connection and joy. Do you feel like people in your neighbourhood try to follow Mike's example and try to be more Mikelike?
It's a great question, and my initial thought was to downplay the extent that was true, but I just got home from one of the block parties in Mike's' honor and was really overwhelmed by all the folks I saw there (some of whom I know very well, others of whom I know from reputation), who do make really intentional, Mike-like contributions to the neighborhood... so, yes, actually!
One of the UPS guys in my neighborhood always carries dog treats. When my dog and I are out for a walk and this particular driver happens by, he always gives my dog a treat. Now my dog goes crazy with excitement whenever he sees a UPS truck (even though there's only about a 1 in 3 chance that it'll be the "treat" driver at the wheel). Not only does this bring joy, it has the side effect of making dogs happy to see UPS trucks. I'm a bit of an introvert so I am fine with somebody paying more attention to my dog than they do to me!
I've heard about that strategy from my carrier brother (another cool thing: at least in his town, the USPS, UPS, Fedex and Amazon carriers all compare notes on the routes, especially on the dogs).
This is an amazing piece. It instantly reminded me of my partner who goes through life making people’s day because he’s so happy, open and curious about people. He went back to a doctors office where he had gone fairly regularly for a bit and then hadn’t seen them for 8 months and the reception nurse was so excited to see him, she turned to her colleague and said, “this is the one I told you about who’s always so happy.” They were absolutely delighted to see him. His energy is truly infectious. So much so that people at drive thrus often give him free food! We truly are starved for joyful connection and you did a great job of contextualizing that.
I appreciated this so much. Thank you. I worked at the post office in my college town to pay for my tuition, and let me tell you, that was often a thankless job. But I was so grateful for the work, for my friends who would sometimes visit me in the dank, windowless room, and for kind customers. I can still pretty accurately guess the postage of an envelope or small package by holding in my hand. What a bizarre party trick. I am so effusively happy every time I see someone delivering my mail. I know the magic that gets one piece of mail from one destination to another: it’s not really magic, but a lot of work. May we all learn from Mailman Mike.
If we were ever at a party together, I would 100% ask you to do that trick a thousand times because damnit that's so cool.
What party is this where my trick would actually be cool? I am there!
Will send you an invite to my annual blow-out weights and measures party lol.
I loved this whole piece and also there's a whole essay buried in that footnote. Big Milwaukee feels.
A Very Milwaukee Footnote for sure
I now live literally right across the street from the library and a 5 minute walk from a small local post office (where the woman who usually pulls the weekend shift is honestly a whole vibe!) When I take time to think about it, it can really hit me about how awesome these spaces are there for the public. The ultimate in spaces for the common good. Some of the best aspects of government, right? I do sometimes wonder if they had not been such an integral part of our nation’s fabric from the beginning if we would have the will to create them today. Feels like it’s been awhile since we’ve had a movement to create a public good. And yet, I think it’s something most people crave…
It's a great point (about all the beloved institutions-- like post offices and libraries and public schools) which would be decried as too radical and socialist if we didn't already have them.
Right? I’m working my way through the The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert Putnam which is really fascinating. I don’t think we fully appreciate how big of an upheaval the Industrial Revolution was - so many parallels to what we are currently going through. Putnam talks about how we go through regular cycles of societal “me” vs “we” thinking and that we are due to be shifting into a we orientation, similar to a shift that happened at the beginning of 20th century (when communities came together in a movement to create public high schools and better sanitation in cities etc). Though hopefully without the built-in racism this time. Lots to chew on.
Love The Upswing
I'll also say, albeit deeply imperfect, it matters that the pandemic provided people with a few more (temporary, sadly) examples of a government social net that they appreciated (emergency public health infrastructure, student loan pauses, and most of all checks to parents!)
And yes! USPS is the best. My dad retired from being a rural mail carrier, he knew everyone on his route. And, oh! The goodies he would get at Christmas from all the appreciative folks for his consistent extra mile.
I just think that's so cool for kids to see this proof of how much their parent is valued and loved by their community!
Mike is a lovely and humble human being, I appreciate his take on the gestures made as being part of making his day at work better too, kindness counts. People in public facing roles should give it a try, if they don't already incorporate the Golden Rule in their routine, they'll find the benefit returns in kind. My brother was a smiling UPS driver for 30 years, we had to find a very large facility for his memorial service because he was like Mike. Be like Mike 💛
Agree 100% on all fronts. And that's so lovely about your brother. It's so beautiful to discover (in moments of remembering and celebration) who has truly left a mark on their community and why they were so beloved.
This is really lovely-- I'm always so interested in hearing about the specifics of what exactly people do to foster connection and joy. Do you feel like people in your neighbourhood try to follow Mike's example and try to be more Mikelike?
It's a great question, and my initial thought was to downplay the extent that was true, but I just got home from one of the block parties in Mike's' honor and was really overwhelmed by all the folks I saw there (some of whom I know very well, others of whom I know from reputation), who do make really intentional, Mike-like contributions to the neighborhood... so, yes, actually!
One of the UPS guys in my neighborhood always carries dog treats. When my dog and I are out for a walk and this particular driver happens by, he always gives my dog a treat. Now my dog goes crazy with excitement whenever he sees a UPS truck (even though there's only about a 1 in 3 chance that it'll be the "treat" driver at the wheel). Not only does this bring joy, it has the side effect of making dogs happy to see UPS trucks. I'm a bit of an introvert so I am fine with somebody paying more attention to my dog than they do to me!
I've heard about that strategy from my carrier brother (another cool thing: at least in his town, the USPS, UPS, Fedex and Amazon carriers all compare notes on the routes, especially on the dogs).
This is an amazing piece. It instantly reminded me of my partner who goes through life making people’s day because he’s so happy, open and curious about people. He went back to a doctors office where he had gone fairly regularly for a bit and then hadn’t seen them for 8 months and the reception nurse was so excited to see him, she turned to her colleague and said, “this is the one I told you about who’s always so happy.” They were absolutely delighted to see him. His energy is truly infectious. So much so that people at drive thrus often give him free food! We truly are starved for joyful connection and you did a great job of contextualizing that.
Even just reading about your partner makes me happy!