Yes, I drop off your mail. But being a postal worker is so much more than a job for me

This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

It was a snowy Sunday in December 2022 and I was exhausted — it was my seventh straight day on the job. 

In fact, the past 18 months had been the busiest of my career as a letter carrier with Canada Post. And yet, I was grateful for my job. The pandemic had forced many people to work from home, but fortunately, my role still allowed me to be out in the community. I loved waving to customers through their windows and greeting those who met me at their doors. 

That particular Sunday, the weather wasn't great and I would have loved to curl up at home under a fleece blanket drinking a cup of tea. Still, the packages and letters in my delivery bag weren't going to deliver themselves, so I trudged past the icy sidewalks. 

At my second-to-last stop of the day, a little boy, bundled up in winter clothes, came running toward me. He couldn't have been older than three. As I approached with his parcel, I could see the excitement on his face. He met me halfway on a long uphill driveway that seemed like quite a journey for the little guy. I asked him if he could manage, as the package was a bit heavy. His dad, who was recording the moment, told him it was a gift from Santa. 

The joy on the boy's face as he shrieked with excitement made my heart swell. He started thanking Santa and carefully cradled his heavy gift as his dad and I watched with smiles. 

Moments like these remind me why I love being part of Canada Post.

As a person with a disability, many jobs are impossible for me to do. When I saw the job posting for a letter carrier, I applied on a whim. As a single mom living in Regina, the steady hours added some much-needed stability for me and my daughter. I also realized the job brought me out of my shell.

Over the past 11 years, I've had the privilege of serving in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan. Each time I've transferred, I've been eager to explore new cities, neighbourhoods and walks of life. Many people assume my job is just about delivering mail, parcels and even flyers. But for me, it's about much more than that. I take pride in engaging with people in the communities I serve. It brings me great joy especially when spring arrives to compliment customers on their beautiful gardens or chat about their renovations. I appreciate the effort they put into making their surroundings special. 

Not every interaction is heartwarming, however. I once witnessed what seemed like a woman experiencing domestic violence on her patio. While I generally mind my own business regarding conflicts I see on my delivery route, I never hesitate to make two calls when it comes to violence: one to the police and another to my supervisor. I stayed on the street until the police arrived soon after and told them the unit she had gone into, and I also waited for the social worker. I don't know if it made a difference but I saw something and did what I could to get her the help. 

There are also times when the mail piles up in people's mailboxes, especially with elderly individuals who may be away or not checking their mail regularly. Some of my colleagues have later learned after a wellness check that the person has died. That's why I keep an eye out, particularly for those living alone. A simple phone call to the right resources often ensures they're checked on. Interactions like this remind me that letter carriers like me can be the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood. We're out in the community every day, and we take pride in caring for it — just as the people who live in it do. 

Like any job, there are challenges. Some of my routes require walking more than 20 kilometres a day, which can be a rough adjustment. And of course, the weather can be unpredictable. I've delivered through -40 C Saskatchewan winters and endured heat waves in the Okanagan that topped 40 C. In my second year on the job, I had an unfortunate encounter with an aggressive dog. The customer was pulling out of her garage and the dog came running out and flattened me right on my back. Thankfully, I was wearing many layers at the time and the homeowner was able to pull him off before severe damage was done. 

Despite these challenges, I love it all. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I get my daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, exercise from walking and the privilege of connecting with so many different people every day. These things truly make me love my job. 

Working as a letter carrier means I'm lucky enough to see what makes Canada, well, Canada. I've delivered in more vulnerable areas of north central Regina and the more affluent neighbourhoods of Kelowna, B.C., from bustling business districts and quiet residential zones. I've enjoyed them all and I've met so many amazing people from all walks of life. I'm proud to be a letter carrier and I hope my customers know how much I enjoy being their "postie."