Takes one last walk

One of the best parts of Kim Welbigs job over the past 27 and a half years, she said, has been the people.
Shes watched babies be born, delivered congratulatory mail to young families, and seen those children grow up along her urban route in Flandreau. Graduations have come and gone, then weddings of their own. Some stay, some leave. Parents grow older, and many, over the years, have passed.
Its been an honor, she said, to be a part of local families and businesses day to day, in my own way.
But now, its time for Welbig to put the well-worn blue bag shes carried all these years aside and let someone else literally pick up where shes leaving off.
Welbig was just 35 years old when she started working for the United States Postal Service as a part-time mail carrier in town. She will officially be off the clock on July 31st but walked her last route through town this past Friday.
Her postmaster, Emman Bamba, said she will greatly be missed, especially as one of the only women working in the local office. He added that she helped keep the team in line. Bamba laughed as he looked back on his own career, remembering how he was a half hour late to train with her on his first day with the USPS, Welbig helped him learn the ropes and the job she did so well.
Its not just her work ethic that stands out. Others say its her smile. She smiled every time you saw her.
It wasnt just a job for Welbig she truly cared for the people she delivered mail to.
Her own family shares in that sentiment. Her daughter-in-law Kristy added, Kim is amazing and I will miss seeing her deliver mail every day. I hope she can relax and do fun things moving forward.
Knowing how quickly life can pass them by, Welbig is looking forward to more time with her husband, Terry, their son Brian whos also a rural mail carrier and his wife Jenna, their 3-year-old Anna, and another grandchild on the way, their son Cody, wife Kristy, and their daughter Makayla.
She and Terry have enjoyed annual trips, often to Mexico each winter, so she can swap out the cold for some beach time. Now that shes retiring, theyre planning to travel even more across the states. Shes eager to seize every opportunity to make memories.
Life is precious, she said, understanding this all the more after losing her brother at a young age. His dream was to drive Route 66 after finishing up one last job at the age of 62. He never got the chance.
In his honor, Kim and Terry will take that trip first.
You never, she said, tearful over leaving her post, but also over how quickly time can pass us by.
So were going to make the most of each day.