Life in a Small Town Post Office

We live in a small town, and you may or may not know that the post office is the best place to find out what is going on. I recently mailed some Christmas packages and stood in line listening to who was sick, who mailed what to whom, who was just diagnosed with cancer, and who’s family is coming to visit for Christmas. The customers contributed to the conversation, and the man behind me asked how we faired the snow to start our conversation.

If you’re lonely, go to the post office. They will welcome you and make you feel part of everything. If you feel disconnected, go to the post office and someone will draw you into a conversation about you and how you are doing. If you want to know how your neighbors are doing, go to the post office and they will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly. If you want service with a smile, and a bit of conversation, go to the post office.

For some people this is annoying. They want the service and no interaction. Some people find it nosey and gossip to hear about everyone…and let’s face it, to some extent it is. For some people this is the place they pick up their packages, know someone will care, and know that if they miss a day or two someone will care enough to ask if everything is alright. The ladies behind the counter may not know you well, but if you visit enough they will get to know you, care about you and yours, and be there if you need anything. One customer just found out her Dad had cancer, and she was mailing him a package. The Postal Worker listened, offered a few kind words, then let the customer know she would pray for her dad and family. And knowing how life works in a small town post office, she will do just that.

I could go to another post office. There is one about the same distance from home in a larger town. I prefer the small town location. I feel a part of something when I buy stamps and get a warm hello and friendly welcome. They know if I am coming here I belong and am worth their energy. There is something special about living in a small town, and the post office is a large part of why it all works.