It’s true what they say: not all heroes wear capes.
For Jon Matson, a postman in West Boldon, United Kingdom, being a hero called for a different costume. Well, actually, many different costumes.
This family man is doing what he can to spread some joy throughout the neighbourhood during these uncertain and difficult times.
He had the brilliant idea to trade in his regular postman uniform for some hilarious costumes (or what the English call “fancy dress”), bringing joy to all the people stuck at home along his route.
“So while the virus grips the world I still have to go to deliver post, today I done it in style and made a few people smile. That was the ultimate goal.”
We all get excited to see anything out the window these days, including a cute dog or a jogger. So imagine this guy rolling up to your doorstep!
So far his brilliant costume choices have included a cheerleader, a Trojan warrior, and Little Bo Peep.
The 39-year-old postman (and talented artist)’s deliveries are now the most looked-forward to event of the day for every household along his route.
But it’s not just a way to lift the spirits of the families he’s delivering to.
It’s hard on Jon to be continuing work, handing packages in a time when the majority of the population has been ordered to stay home.
With a wife and two children, he surely feels some stress about leaving them for the day and putting himself at risk.
Dressing up lightens the mood and makes it easier to look forward to his shifts!
“Seeing so many people happy and having something to look forward to has really picked my spirits up. I was obviously feeling apprehensive about having to go to work and although it’s still in the back of my mind each day, this makes going to work so much easier. The only worry I have now is running out of things to wear.”
He already knew the families on his route quite well, and used to chat with them before social-distancing became a thing. He misses being able to interact with his colleagues and the people he delivers to.
You might be wondering why a full grown man with a beard has a Little Bo Peep costume in his size laying around.
Well, just when we thought Jon Matson couldn’t be more of an angel, it turns out he frequently participates in a charity swim. Part of the swim involves wearing a silly costume, so they’ve been sitting in his closet ever since.
If you can believe it, he doesn’t have too many other occasions to wear them.
So he asked his boss if he could get away with foregoing the uniform in order to bring some joy. The reception around the neighbourhood was so positive that his boss made an exception to the otherwise strict uniform policy.
The kids around the neighbourhood have been loving his in-costume visits. One youngster even left a heart-warming note for Jon, as they were unable to communicate in person.
In times like these, essential services feel even more essential than before.
Things we may have taken for granted, like having our mail delivered, becomes something we greatly appreciate!
Cheers to people like Jon who continue working to keep our society in order. Otherwise we’d be descended into total chaos! We can always use a little joy in our lives, but right now it’s more important than ever.
The hero we didn’t know we needed!
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