2020: Dear Mailman Dwight, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom…”

Dear Dwight,

It must be so strange to dutifully walk your routes each day looking at familiar names and addresses and then one day, one of your grateful customers is gone.   For over 20 years you were my parents trusted and loyal mailman.  

After my father died in 2012 you took the time to put rubber bands around the mail, making it easier for my Mom’s 90-year-old plus body to pick up the pile after if shot through her mail slot.  We were all adamantly instructed to keep those rubber bands and return them to you occasionally to be sure you had ample supply.  

You trudged through all kinds of weather, checking in on her every day and were possibly the one person she interacted with that day.  If she chatted for a bit you didn’t mind even though you had miles yet to travel.  I’m sure you helped her track down lost packages or watch out for important mail despite the hundreds of other items you had to deliver.

On Halloween of 2021 when my siblings and I met you on the lawn to do our best to explain through our tears that my Mom had passed away, your heartfelt tears and reaction meant so much- signifying the mutual friendship you had shared all of those years.  

Thank you so much for your excellent, loyal and kind friendship.

Ann Simonds

Daughter of Mary and Don Hoagland

Garfield Street

aka Annie Hoagland