I am a huge supporter of Canada Post and it’s employees. I was down with them when they were on strike, and when I need to leave a note in my mailbox, I always add a personal thank you. Because they are excellent, and they work hella hard. Thank you, Postal Workers.

Efrem is a different kind of special who, though he isn’t technically an employee of Canada Post, he is, like, a second cousin. We met in 1989, at which time he had just begun working for a Canada Post outlet. It was in a location directly across the street from this outlet, in my family’s neighbourhood.

You know how much I love writing letters, and postcards, and sending packages? I would make my own envelopes from magazine and newspaper, choosing interesting images that would wrap around the ‘To’ field. It was one of my favourite things to do.

At least three times a month, I would visit Efrem to mail something. Until I left for The Cloud Cave some years back and shifted instead to my local postal office. Still, he would see my mother. Every time, he would ask about me and send me his well-wishes.

The last time was a little under a month ago, and so I made a mental note of taking my mail to him next I needed to mail something. Which is exactly what I did today.

As I rounded the corner and he saw me, he actually screamed my name and came out from behind the counter to give me a big hug. Efrem. What a guy, and what a way to feel welcome and a part of this small community.

We talked about his family, and my writing. He surprise reminded me of such a lovely memory – that during the 2002 World Cup (when last Brazil won), we used to have long and very animated conversations about the matches which had occurred between the last time I saw him, and that day.

I am genuinely still moved and lit up by the kindness in which his memory holds me; it is very much reciprocated.

If you’re ever at the Shoppers located at Meadowlands and Prince of Wales, do go in and meet Efrem. Tell him I sent you. He is one of a kind.

Today, I am grateful for:
1. The slow (and seemingly very challenged) return of summer nights. It’s nice to take a walk in you, friends. Please hurry and come home for a few months.
2. WhatsApp voice notes. I love receiving them as equally as I love sending them. Far faster, and with more intimacy than texts.
3. Spreadsheets. The February Situation has me spreadsheeting on the almost daily. I don’t know what I would do with all of the information in my head if I couldn’t table, scan, and access it so easily. (I will write that story out soon; I am just so exhausted by living it that I am really hard-pressed to also write about it during my quiet time of peace and reflection on the day. If only I could send you a voice note instead.)

Ottawa | May 29, 2019

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