Gareeb

MAILMAN |
 
Our mailman Loden Lee of USPS is retiring after decades of service and returning to his native Korea. A well-deserved retirement, I am sure.
 
Mr. Lee however is unique in serving as our mailman. He always stopped his van if he saw you walking or even driving by to wave and say hello. If it would be wet rainy or snowy day, Mr. Lee will ring my doorbell to see if I would like to receive mail in person rather than putting it in the mailbox where it may get wet. Protecting mail, delivering it safely, and providing service with care just came naturally to him.
 
One day I saw his van rolled back into my neighbor's car when waiting for a traffic light on a slight hill. No visible damage to my neighbor's car but Mr. Lee was in tears. He summoned his supervisor who drove in to document the minor accident. All through this minor episode, Mr. Lee kept shaking his head and apologizing. What a wonderful civil servant who made what otherwise considered an unimportant job; filled with admiration from our community via his personal touch.
 
This is presidential campaign season in full swing and immigration is widely discussed as a topic. I say look at Mr. Lee and his contributions. He was not a hotshot engineer or business star, just an ordinary immigrant thankful for his work and spending his life being exemplary in the service he provided. He also demolished the civil servant phobia by being polite and helpful.
 
Mr. Lee, go my friend on well-deserved retirement to your beautiful country. You leave behind admiring homeowners and friends. You have set the bar so high, you shall not fade away as we will miss you.
 
Insaend-eul jeulgil su issseubnida, ulineun dangsin-eul geuliwo handa | Enjoy life, we shall miss you.