I happened to look out the window today as my mail carrier Sonya was leaving after delivering my mail, which she had placed neatly in the box and closed.
She stopped to pick up two advertising flyers from off the ground that had been pushed through the gate, and then she took care to close the gate, something delivery people often neglect.
I like having the gate closed. It’s like tying a bow on a package. It completes the ambiance.
I also have a theory that a closed gate might discourage coyotes. Yes, I realize they can jump over the gate but there’s no point in making it easy for them.
Sometimes my walk down the front porch steps, through the courtyard, to close the gate is my exercise for the day. Then someone comes along, opens the gate and rubber bands a flyer to one of the wrought iron curlicues in addition to not closing it.
Since this catapults me into another round trip, I try to be grateful for the extra exercise. Or, at the very least, not to be upset.
This attitude has been inspired by Sonya who naturally and cheerfully goes about her life doing what she deems needs be done. When papers are tossed over the gate onto the ground, she picks them up, no matter how they got there. She does it because, for her, it’s the right thing to do.
Often when Neighbor Sue and I chat on my front porch swing after one of our walks Sonya delivers the mail right into my hands And the three of us exchange updates on everything from grandchildren to the fresh crop of fruit that some people on the block leave out with a “Help Yourself” sign. No one saw them do it but it makes the world a nicer place.
I think UCLA basketball coach John Wooden got it right when he said: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” (I feel sure he also meant women.)
This is one of the great things about growing older. If you haven’t thought about your life that way before, there’s still time. And, if like me, you have thought about it, but not always acted on it, there’s still time to do better.
Email patriciabunin@sbcglobal.net. Follow her on X @patriciabunin and on patriciabunin.com.