As many of us remember, this winter was...an experience. It left many grouchy and looking to move to warmer clients. It hard to be happy when extreme weather comes into play. But there were some that braved the cold and melted the snow with their warm hearts and positive attitudes. One woman in particularly, Lori Sanchez, a Portage resident, maintained a good outlook throughout the "Snowpocalypse".
Sanchez is a letter carrier for the Hammond post office. For 15 years, she has delivered mail to the residents of NWI and she didn't stop even during the winter's harsh chill. While many were inside their homes cursing the snow, Sanchez was out in it, walking her normal route and getting stuff done.
Winter was really rough and many people didn't go to work but we did," Sanchez said. "Normally, I can keep myself warm because I bundle up, but I couldn't stay out too long. Some eight-hour days turned into 10-hour days. I tried to make the best of it."
Sanchez had many people give her coffee and hot chocolate, offer her a quick warm-up by opening their homes to her. She declined selflessly because that would lengthen her time on her route and she didn't want to bring slush and snow into their homes.
While out, Sanchez checked on people whose homes were on her route to make sure they were okay. She would also make it a point to pick up a shovel and clear away snow where she could and knocked on doors when she saw a dog or cat outside and reminded their owners that the animals needed to stay warm, too. When not at work, Sanchez would post ideas and reminders on Facebook on how to help out with the elderly during the winter. She knew of many on her route who had difficulties getting around due to their advanced ages and she made sure that no one was left alone or neglected.
Sanchez is on a first-name basis with many of her customers and each person greeted her with warmth and astonishment when she stopped in to check on them on the snowy days.
"I've been called a soldier and guys come up to me and say 'I don't know how you do it,'" Sanchez said. "You just have to stay positive and that's just the way I am. I prayed a lot and thought about the good stuff...I took it one day at a time and I'm just grateful I have a job. We have a lot of younger people and I gave them positive feedback and encouragement. My customers are so good to me."
On top of the positive attitude, Sanchez is in very good shape. She and her husband, who is an area maintenance specialist at the Gary post office, are avid runners. She fell into the sport with ease, attributing that to her years of walking her routes.
"I did my first half-marathon six months after I started running. My husband has been running for years. It was really exciting for me and I loved that I could share it with him. I walk 6 ⅙ hours every day so my endurance is pretty high already," Sanchez said.
Sanchez is in a family of runners. Her daughter -she has three children, two boys and one girl- who is serving overseas loves to run and when she comes home Sanchez is looking forward to running with her.
When she is not working, Sanchez loves to travel with her husband and spend time with her family. Next time you see her out and about say "hi".
So remember Sanchez next time you think it's too hot or cold outside. She along with many others brave the elements every day. Keep cold bottled water handy or a cool, wet cloth that you can hand to your mailman or mail lady, the garbage men/women, the construction worker, or anyone working outside in the heat. And remember, it's not that bad...at least it isn't snowing.
