Republic Services Driver Brightens a Child's Day
This is a letter written by a Republic Services customer to KTVU 2 News anchor Frank Somerville via Facebook in regards to her child and his weekly interaction with a Republic Services’ Residential Recycle Driver named Alfredo Cano.
Hi Frank,
I've been meaning to write this post for some time now, but just haven't gotten around to it. After reading your most recent post about all the tragic events of late, I thought you would appreciate a story about simple joy.
My almost 18 year old son, Josh, has a rare metabolic disease which has caused developmental and cognitive delays. He is legally blind and is also diagnosed autistic. He's got a lot of health issues that would bring anyone down, but he is the happiest person I know! Josh's main source of excitement is around garbage cans (he calls them hoppers) and garbage trucks--especially the one driven by our recycling collector, Alfredo. Every Wednesday, Josh anxiously waits to see Alfredo. On the days he actually gets to see him, Josh's joy just can't be contained. He calls out Alfredo's name and runs down the street to meet his truck. Alfredo, in turn, makes a big deal about seeing Josh. He chats with him about the 49'ers, school, or any number of topics. Mostly, he answers the many questions that Josh has about when the other trucks will be around, and other garbage related matters. Over the past three years, Alfredo has also brought Josh many little trinkets such as a hat (he's wearing it in the photo) and a toy garbage truck and can.
The Wednesdays that Josh sees Alfredo are the best! If I'm having a bad day or am frustrated by Josh's incessant questions/obsession with garbage cans, it is erased when I witness the love that Josh has for Alfredo and the kindness and understanding that Alfredo has for Josh. I'm sure Alfredo doesn't think the attention he gives Josh is any big deal, but I can assure you that it not only makes Josh's day, but his dad's and mine, too!
