Open Letter to My Swansea Recyclable Collector

To my Recyclable/Trash Collector,

It goes without saying that Monday mornings are that much better knowing that my trash and recyclables are scheduled for pick up. Sometimes 'Thank You' isn't enough, so here's something to show appreciation towards your hard work and superb customer service.

The very first day my girlfriend and I moved to the area, here in Swansea, you introduced yourself as "Adrian the Recycling Driver". You assured us that you would take care of any recycling or trash needs we may have and since we had a lot of moving boxes, we knew we had a lot to purge.

Box after box you collected them with pride, never complaining, always smiling. With all the old furniture that was left behind, we had nowhere to bring it, so you brought the truck to us. Again, never griping over your job and confirming the pick-up with the following quote:

"And just like that, my friend, the fan you wanted to get rid of is gone." -Adrian the Recycling Driver

Not too many people understand how hard you work, but I do, I get it. Waking up at the wee hours of the morning is never easy, but you still make sure you get to bed early the night before, even if it means sacrificing a Patriots or Red Sox Playoffs game. When there's a job to be done, you step up when most wouldn't.

Each and every day you rise up with the roosters and travel all the way to Plymouth just to pick up your recycling truck, head back to Swansea, back up to Avon to drop off your pick-up for the day, eventually heading back to Plymouth after a 10-12 hour work day. Again, not once complaining about the long commute or long hours.

Here's the thing, I'm not the only one who thinks you're an outstanding worker. No other trash or recycling worker is willing to post schedules and updates concerning the daily pickup. If the truck breaks down, you alert the people. If there's any inconvenience that gets in the way of your mission, you alert the people.

No need to apologize for any matters or forces of nature that are out of your control, what's most important is that you take pride in what you do and believe me... no, believe ALL of us when I say that you are the difference this city needs to be a better place. It's not wonder why the community loves you, you're always there for everyone else. Perhaps it's time for the respect to be returned, and from what I've seen, it already has.

So to my recycling/trash driver and collector, I speak on behalf of everyone here in Swansea who are blessed to be on your route these simple words:

THANK YOU.

Yes it is, Mr. Cardona... Yes indeed it is. Don't ever quit being you and keep on trucking along. Your work is most definitely noticed.