Dear Sir,

I have a new appreciation for the newspaper that arrives at my mailbox every morning before I’m even awake, having the opportunity to be in practice to take over delivery while my son is away.

As a night person, having to awake at 4.45am to collect, fold and put most in plastic bags wasn’t the only problem I had. I was told to wear running shoes and make sure I had a light and my mobile phone.

I thought, how tough can this be? After all, I’ve seen nine and ten-year-olds riding their bikes and doing the same on TV.

However, Bermuda is another world when it comes to delivering. There is no row of houses where you can just throw the papers up to the door.

You are uphill, downhill, throwing over this wall, putting in the basket on this bike, going up these two flights of stairs and opening this door to put the paper here.

I walk twice a week, but this was quite the workout. You slip and slide in the dark and lose your footing, even with a light.

I want to quit, but won’t give him (my son) the satisfaction that I couldn’t handle it. He also pointed out the persons that are stingy (with tips), and the persons for whom he wants you to make sure you deliver on time, such as the elderly lady who leaves him candy and a fine tip at Christmas.

All in all, this new appreciation is not only for the paper person, but also for the mail person. However, while the mail person gets the light of day, the paper person has to have the job done by 7am. Here’s to hoping I can keep it up.

Was told this morning, “Well done. Great job, Mom.” I would have said thank you, but was still catching my breath.

When I finally get to sip my coffee and read my paper, I am grateful for the mailboxes that are at the gate of every home.

NOW A MORNING PERSON