Edie Bradley LaDuke
Neither rain, sleet, nor hail or the dark of night shall detain this couier from his swift completion
of his appointed route.The swift footed Persian messengers of centuries ago ran to the beat of this
mythical quotation.
This measureless treasure of postal acclaim was a salute of notability that found its orginial concept
during the same time frame that the tiny village of Rome was rising to its political heights.
Thus, Benjamin Franklin, appointed by the Continental Congress as the postal system's chief in
1774, adopted the lofty slogan for its own.And for the frugal of mind his salary was the hefty sum
of $1000 yearly.
Boom!And came the petite blonde from Louisville, Kentucky.On September21,1963, I crossed
the rank and file of the postal blue to become the very first female foot letter carrier in this district,
which included the states of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.
As children we read the story of Allie -Baba(Babba?not sure of correct spelling)and The Forty
Thieves with great excitemet.Remember, they flew the star studded sky on a carpet. My invitation
will be for you to join with me, using the mode of transpotation as my pair of feet and the U.S.Mail
bag.Please come and walk a mile or two with The Maillady!
Let's take a rather keen look at the street life of a Maillady. Are you ready rain that comes with
thunder and no umbrella in sight? And stinking socks***and black toenails?The answers await your
discovery in"Postal Blue Image!"
As far back, as one can go in a young child's memory, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up! A newspaper reporter was top billing. And still today, 2008, I have mellow dreams.
No money for college has destroyed many of a dream. Yet there are ways to rebuild that dream. Just ask me.
My greatest accomplishments in life have been my second marriage to my beloved Frenchman,
Kenny and the warm loving five children (Richard, Tommy, Steven, Billy and Theresa)I have from my first marriage.
The love and support that Kenny showered upon me helped me to find the courage to become a
college student. How proud he walked beside me that night I graduated from Indiana University with an Associate Degree in Journalism.
My children and now their children have listened and shared their views in so many ways through out all the years I have had the honor of having them to love. God has certainly blessed me. My cup runneth over!
My hat's off to all who have listened to me whenever I shared my wonderfultal memories. Your support and laughter is priceless.
At age 16 another goal began to take shape, 'I wanted to write a novel one third as good as 'Gone With The Wind.' What a lofty and notable challenge that was! I offer you for your reading pleasure 'Postal Blue Image.'
My computer and I now reside in The Hoosier State.
