Every Friday after work, I jump on the train to go Downtown. Call it the highlight of my work week. I go someplace where it’s likely that I might receive a nice surprise: the Post Office.
You see, all my important incoming mails come to my POB (Post Office Box). Fifteen years ago, I needed a home for them as I was in the process of moving. I didn’t know how long the house search would take and I didn’t want anything to fall through the cracks. Because my bills and letters from the people in my life carry a lot of significance, it became imperative to get them a temporary address that was safe and secure
You see, all my important incoming mails come to my POB (Post Office Box). Fifteen years ago, I needed a home for them as I was in the process of moving. I didn’t know how long the house search would take and I didn’t want anything to fall through the cracks. Because my bills and letters from the people in my life carry a lot of significance, it became imperative to get them a temporary address that was safe and secure
Today fifteen years later, I am still attached to the same POB address. Somehow it became a much needed convenience in my life. First, there was the matter of location. My POB then was situated a walking block from my workplace at that time. I could drop by before or after work or even during my lunch break.
Then that Post Office property was purchased by an investor for the construction of a housing loft and my POB relocated about four blocks away. Although the new site was a long distance walk, It was still convenient for me. I could drive by on the way to the office and pick up the mail, or if that wasn’t possible, I could do it in the evening before heading home.
Years later, I find myself working for my current employer in another city. My office now is 12 miles from my POB. At the start of my employment, every Friday evening I would drive Downtown for the mail pick-up chore. I considered closing my POB, but something happened to make me change my mind. Incidents of mail theft in my home community occurred which made it necessary to keep a secure alternative mailing address. I couldn’t risk losing any of my bills and other documents as identity theft was getting to be a popular pastime for the crooks. To this date I don’t think I’ve ever lost any significant mail other than a newly ordered box of checks. But the missing check order only reinforced the decision to keep those important mails coming to me through my POB.
A terrible accident on one Thanksgiving eve changed the way I now handle my Friday night POB chore. I lost my car and without a vehicle, my only option was to travel via the Downtown-bound train. As it turned out, my POB trip actually became more convenient! There was no half-hour busy Friday night traffic to maneuver and the train ride provided the much-appreciated quiet time after work.
When I look back, I believe that the accident happened for a good reason. Someone up there had to send the message that I needed to get physically fit and driving wasn’t helping me get any exercise. Now I walk almost everywhere and I’ve never felt better! The train stops a block from the Post Office, and the walk is usually nice and invigorating during non-snow days. I get to clear my head of any mental clutter and by the time I get home, I’m pumped for whatever the evening brings.
For anyone out there who loves their mail or anything that comes with a postmark, and who might like to save themselves the worry of losing any, get a Post Office Box! For the small price you pay, a secure home will be provided for your significant mailings. Think about it!
