Humble US postie writes touching farewell letter to residents

A retiring US postman has farewelled local residents with a touching handwritten letter dropped in their mailboxes.

The letter is attributed to Michael L. Rayman, who introduces himself as “Mike, the mailman”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from the US Postal Service,” he wrote.

“Twenty years have seemingly flown by. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been your letter carrier for the past four years.

“Many of you have been with me that long, some have not.”

Clearly popular with the locals, Mr Rayman wrote of an unexpectedly close bond with his customers.

“I have enjoyed getting to know you and hope that I have provided a service to your liking,” he wrote.  

“I have seen many changes over the years and have enjoyed and endured all of the triumphs and heartaches.

“I will miss all of you as you have seemed like a second family to me.’

Mr Rayman also revealed his wife died last year before finishing with a simple sign-off.

“I lost my wife of 42 years in Sept. 2014, but I know she would agree that it is time to close this chapter and start a new one,” he wrote.

“My last day will be Sept. 30, 2015.

“I do sincerely wish you and yours, all the best.

The humble message was uploaded online by Reddit user g3tyasum, who paid tribute to the retiring postie.

“For as long as I have lived in my house, always thought the Mailman was very nice,” the user wrote.

“He put this in the mailbox. Reminds me that there are good warm people in all walks of life.”