After 30 years of post office employment Missy Hayes makes her last mail delivery

Whether it is being a postal carrier or a post office clerk, the postal system is a great place to meet people. "I have shared in so many people's lives. I have cried and laughed with them," said Missy Hayes. Jan. 8, marked Missy's 30th anniversary of seeing people on her delivery routes or at the USPS counter. But now, retirement is what comes next.

In 1994, while caring for a colicky infant at home, Missy would make the 45-minute drive, leaving home at 4:30 a.m. to be at the Blue Hill Post Office location, by 5:30 a.m., where she began her postal career as a clerk. "I look back on that time and wonder how I did it, but you just do," she said. After eight months of traveling back and forth, a carrier opening became available at the Superior site, so she transferred.

Having worked at one location for 30 years, one could think this was the only place Missy has worked, but she was also employed at other places in Superior. After graduating from South East Community College with a degree in human services, Missy married Todd Hayes in 1990. She then began working at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services. She left there to attend Hastings College full-time during the day and worked as a server at Jughead's Bar and Grill in the evenings. Her goal was to become a teacher.

There was another career intended for Missy. After 3 1/2 years at Hastings College, Missy decided to take a spring semester off. During that time, the postal position opened in Blue Hill. This development presented an opportunity and a quandary for Missy. There was so much to take into consideration in continuing college for one more semester and becoming a teacher or change course of direction completely. Missy and Todd spent a lot of time discussing the options and what would be best for their family. One thing for certain in the equation is that Missy wanted to stay in Superior. At that time, "They didn't have teacher turnover and I didn't want to commute outside of Superior for a teaching job," said Missy. It was an either-or choice as taking online classes to finish a semester didn't exist then, "It was a big decision," she added.

Working at the post office would have multiple advantages. With a nine-month-old baby girl, Montana, at home, it was determined that accepting the position in Blue Hill would be best. Missy knew that someday she would be closer to home and it didn't take long before that prospect presented itself in Superior. Having an employee benefits package, Missy was able to continue employment even during difficult pregnancies and at a time when they had a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. "My bosses were very accommodating and empathetic to the situations," said Missy. Working at the post office was also conducive to a work-life balance. Missy liked being done with the workday early, so she could have more family time. Missy and Todd had two more daughters, Emily and Tricia, so being done with work by 3:30 to 4 p.m. she was able to follow the girls' activities.

Missy said what she liked best working at the post office was "the people in the community. I met so many nice people. Most people are kind, even if they came in grouchy. Treating them with kindness changes their attitude." Working at the counter, it was like a central hub for newcomers. "I got to welcome new people to the area. Often, I was asked what was around town locally like the chamber of commerce, childcare and restaurants," said Missy.

What happens in our nation such as conversion to digital, recessions and harmful substances being mailed impact postal services and their workforces. With three decades in the postal service, Missy said "There has been a lot of changes. I found I was not enjoying my job like I used to. It's just a good time to retire. Thirty years have gone by and the people at the post office are like family to me. I have learned a lot from my postmasters. I will miss my coworkers. We already have plans to get together."

Retiring from a job can bring mixed emotions. "I thought I would be sad, but I feel peace and relief." On her last day, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, Missy said, "It was a beautiful day and I just went for a walk." To celebrate the occasion, on Saturday, their daughters threw a retirement party for her at the Superior Winery Estates. Approximately 200 people from the community attended to honor her. Many people lingered for hours.

What is on the horizon for Missy? "I have no set plans," she said "I used to be a planner, but now I am just doing one day at a time; enjoying life." One plan that is reserved is a trip to Florida with the girls. Missy and Todd are also planning a trip away and enjoy remodeling houses together. Another "big part of my decision to retire is my grandchildren, Louis and Nora. They light up my life," Missy said. She looks forward to more grandma time.

Her interests include baking, fixing up homes and she is tossing around some other hobby ideas. Missy is a member of Centennial Lutheran Church where she is their financial secretary. In the past she has taught Sunday school, Bible studies, and lead the youth group. As of recent, the church has been undergoing renovations and as she became more involved in that process, she has become the point of contact person. "I became the contractor for updating," she laughed. Being retired from full-time employment is affording Missy to be more involved with family, hobbies and church.

Missy is grateful for the time she has had serving the community. "I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You are what made me love my job."