I think it would be wonderful for The Day to do an article on postal carriers. We hear a lot about men and women on the job, the police mainly, who are under appreciated sometimes. But what about postal carriers, who face extreme challenges each and every day? Nobody, but the carriers themselves, know what is involved in the preparation of getting out on the route; the stress, timeliness, physical work, the constant frenzy, and demands of the supervisors.

It may seem to the public an easy stroll in the park, but that is not the reality of the job; not by a long shot. There is the heat and humidity, the steamy trucks, the bitterness of winter, scraping of icy windows, slopping through pouring rain, avoiding dog feces, always being aware of the aggressive dog, holes in yards, cords from Christmas lights strewn across lawns, and many other safety hazards. In the end there is Carpal Tunnel, knee and hip replacement, permanent injury and psychiatrists.

After 27 years, standing five-feet, 1-inch tall, and weighing 110 pounds, I am retired and do not miss it at all.

Barbara Bickel

Waterford

Editor’s note: Ms. Bickel was a postal carrier in Groton.