Editor:
When I decided to try a paper delivery route to residents in town, the only thing I expected was to get exercise. The exercise is great - takes one and a half hours of solid walking - something I wouldn't normally do.
What I didn't expect are all the other rewards. I didn't expect the enjoyment of watching individual gardens blossom all summer and quietly fade away as fall approached. Or to be so happy to see small bulbs and winter flowers appear so early in the year. I didn't expect to appreciate the way some homes are so well kept, and sadly, how some are not.
But mostly, I didn't expect how nice and good people can be. The friendliness of hearing the "thank you" called out after they hear the plop on their step. Other than one dog, no one has ever been nasty to me. Instead, I'm greeted with great smiles and warm comments. I've enjoyed seeing the creation of great artwork, construction and renovations as people fix up their places. I've enjoyed the offers to come in for a chat, the great cookies given to my grandson when he helped me one day, the offers of cuttings from gardens, and having folks in long-term care facilities recognize me and wave or smile.
I never, ever expected the overwhelming generosity given to me during the Christmas holidays and was truly humbled by it.
After all, I'm just doing it for exercise, right? No, not anymore. Now it's for pure enjoyment.
Kathy Badley, Sechelt
