the flyer lady
by JVS on Aug.31, 2010, under 2010
There’s this lady I know, she’s no more than five feet tall, and in her seventies, and she delivers flyers in our neighbourhood. Two or three times a week she pulls a heavy, homemade, wooden, wobbly wheeled, wagon, filled with flyers through our streets; up and down all the the hills, up and over curbs, through rain, snow and heat. Every time I see her do it I’m amazed, and a bit saddened (I think of my mom having to do something like that).
Often, I’ll say hi, or talk to her for a few seconds as we pass each another. Today I decided to stop and have a conversation. “How’s it going today?” I asked. “Fine,” she said, ”Today is my last day! For 20 years I’ve been delivering flyers in this neighbourhood and today is my last day.” “Wow, 20 years, that’s amazing. I’ve watched you over the past 5 and I can’t believe that you’ve been strong enough to pull this heavy thing…” (I grabbed the handle of her wagon and pulled it a few inches – it must have weighed 40 pounds!) “It’s not so bad… you get used to it.” “So why now, why retire this year? “Over this past year I’ve just realized that I can’t do this any more… you just know these things. I’m thinking of working at Walmart.” “That would be great for you, better weather!” She didn’t catch my joke and said, “Walmart will at least keep me warm in the winter.”
And then I started to feel a bit bad. This is her last day, I thought, her retirement. Is there going to be a big party later tonight? A gold watch? Speeches? “Well then I better thank her,” I thought.
“You know, you must have helped thousands of people in this community save money over the years – with all those coupons and sales flyers. Thank you for that!” She just paused and took it in for a second and then said, “Yeah I guess so.” Then she smiled. I said thanks again and then I asked her what her name was. “Colleen…” “Hi Colleen, I’m John…” and then shaking her hand I said, “All the best in your retirement.” And then I continued on my walk, and she picked up her wagon handle, looked over her address list one more time, and pulled her stack of flyers to the next house. I had to take a picture as she walked away. I’ll miss her.
Too many times over the years I’ve felt a disdain for the flyer industry and everyone attached to it. All that wasted paper, and recycling hassle. All that endless consumer pressure. But for Colleen it was her job, her life in some large part.
I can only hope to do what I do with as much dignity, perseverance and strength.
September 1st, 2010 on 9:43 pm
This is part of why I just LOVE the older generation. It saddens me that “us young people” aren’t taught this kind of dedication, hard work, and character. Yeah, she was “just delivering flyers” but she gave it her all.
There are exceptions to the rule, but it seems to me that this kind of character is fading from our society. I hope we can grab what’s left and salvage it.
Thanks for sharing, nice story!
September 1st, 2010 on 8:07 pm
I always think the same about this street guy in Toronto that sells soup carvings. At first I am like okay really, who is buying that? but I had totally missed the whole point, it was about a little dignity and he was proud of his carvings. It also generated conversation. I felt pretty ashamed of myself.
September 1st, 2010 on 4:45 pm
To me there are several morals to the story.
As a society we have become too insular and have lost a sense of community by not greeting people we meet or cross paths with time to time. A simple good morning, or hello can go a long way and I am always amazed how much one can learn from others along the way.
As well, we have lost the sense of dignity that imbues even what appears to be seemingly menial jobs, and our respect for the same, as our society is in a headlong fight to climb the corporate ladder. We judge people by what they do, where they live, the size of car they drive etc.
August 31st, 2010 on 10:52 pm
Great story john. I think there are people like this all around us that we miss out on. Very touching and did laugh at the better wagon comment.
August 31st, 2010 on 9:14 pm
anonymous gibes… hmmmm… rather cowardly. : )
August 31st, 2010 on 9:10 pm
great story, but i thought for sure it was going to end with you giving her a signed copy of your book as a retirement present!!!
August 31st, 2010 on 8:00 pm
Yeah,a good idea if she was planning to weather another winter. But I’m thinking she won’t need it.
August 31st, 2010 on 7:50 pm
Why not offer to buy her a better wagon?