When the summer rolls around, and heat becomes an issue we actually have to take notice of, we all know the importance of staying hydrated and cool. Of course, in some professions – take workers who have to be outside, for example – it’s not always possible to drink the recommended levels of water, nor stay in the shade.
New Jersey man Charlie Poveromo had noticed local sanitation workers sweating and toiling in the intense summer heat and decided he couldn’t stand by and watch; he had to do something about it.
Charlie knew construction workers and people employed in similar professions were battling to stay hydrated and cool.
“He came running into the kitchen, grabbed a bunch of plastic cups and our big jug of water and made sure everyone got as much as they wanted,” recalled his wife Velvet.
But one summer in 2018, the cooler wasn’t there….
Charlie and Velvet had been married for 37 years, but Charlie had sadly passed away of a heart attack three months before summer arrived, Velvet told NorthJersey.com.
“Once the weather started getting warm, I thought, ‘Oh, my God, the water bottles.’”
In spite of her grief, she found the water cooler and headed to the store to stock up on water bottles, determined to honor the tradition her loving husband had left behind.
Workers noticed the cooler, but as they drew closer they also saw a note Velvet had left for them. In it, she explained her situation, whilst also leaving behind prayer cards from Charlie’s service.
“In case you were unaware, my husband, Charlie, passed away suddenly at age 57 on March 10. I will do my best to continue to provide bottled water,” the note said.
What the workers did after reading Velvet’s note was completely unexpected. Aware of how painful it must have been for Velvet to continue treating them to ice cold water, the workers let her know how grateful they were for Charlie’s generosity and that she had decided to carry on his tradition.
“…I heard the unmistakable sound of the garbage truck ease to a stop and as I turned to look, I watched in awe as each man stepped off the truck, the driver getting out to join them and in a straight line they stood together and saluted our home and me!! As is happening at this very moment, my eyes filled with tears and my body began to tremble as one by one they each came up to me, grasped my hand, gave me a hug and told me how very sorry they were and that no one had ever shown them the thoughtfulness and appreciation my husband had and then slowly, one by one, they each took a water bottle or two, climbed back up on the truck and gave a loud beep as they drove off.”
Even though Charlie is no longer here, Velvet knows he’s watching over her and is happy that she is continuing such a kind and generous tradition for others. Please share this wonderful and inspirational story with others.