Today the brown delivery truck streaked down our little street, giving a hail and hearty toot just before it backed into the driveway. With years of contact with UPS, I recognized that characteristic approach; it wasn't our quiet, sweet courier this time. It was Rob! Rob who had been reassigned to another part of town, but who for years would bound out of his truck on arrival, attempting each time to win the affections of our socially bereft shelty, Tavis, before he took care of the business at hand. I have to smile when I remember one particular afternoon when my arrival from work interrupted yet another try to befriend Tavis. Rob was rolling on the ground pleading in a most earnest manner, while Tavis - at the end of his tether (in more than one way) - would not even look at poor Rob, eyes turning toward me with sadness and desperation, suggesting that this strange being was just not making any worldly dog sense. It just wouldn't occur to Rob that anyone, including a dog, would reject his friendliness and charm.
Because of his constant good cheer and his pitiful efforts with Tavis, I will always be awash in happy feelings when I hear the UPS truck approach, even though it is now a rare occasion when luck will strike and it will be the ever-ebullient Rob in that adorable brown uniform who will leap from the truck. Of course, these days he can't roll quite so effortlessly on the ground, what with his aching back and shoulder, and a strained forearm. The smile, however, is just as broad and uplifting as ever. It's a GOOD day!
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