Mail Carrier Leaves Surprise Package For Mom Fighting Coronavirus

HOUSTON, TX — As the coronavirus pandemic takes an overwhelming toll on many Americans — both physically and financially — it has also managed to bring out the best in humanity. Lisette LeJeune, a single mom from Houston, has witnessed the kindness of strangers first hand during this unusual, trying year.

A U.S. Postal Service worker recently surprised her with a special care package after she and her two children, 3 and 14 years old, tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 3.

"It was very sweet of her and very surprising that a total stranger would think of us while we’re in quarantine," LeJeune told Patch.

According to LeJeune, she received the special package on her doorstep on Dec. 15 —just days after she told her carrier to be careful delivering mail at her home because she and her kids had recently tested positive for the virus.

"I opened the door one morning to let her know I didn’t want us both touching the mailbox. I didn’t want to take the chance of getting anybody else sick," LeJeune said. "She seemed to appreciate my concern of not wanting to get her sick."

The warning didn't stop LeJeune's mail carrier from setting foot on her doorstep several days later to deliver the special care package, which included a get well card, orange juice, soup and crackers. For LeJuene, the kind gesture meant more to her than her mail lady, or "USPS Carrier Mary" as she's called, may have realized.

"I do suffer from severe depression and PTSD," LeJeune explained. "It has just been a tough year. We just need to be there for each other when we're not feeling well. It does get a little lonely having to quarantine."

For LeJeune, even small acts of kindness, like the one by her mail carrier, can make a world of difference for people facing trying times.

As of Saturday, LeJeune and her two children can now breathe a sigh of relief. She and her sons are no longer in quarantine after testing negative for the virus. She admits, however, recovery wasn't easy. The day before her diagnosis, she said she nearly passed out in the popular craft store, Michael's.

"By the time I got home I had fever and that first week was fever on and off, congestion and a bad cough my body aches," she said. "I can tell you that it was nothing compared to a cold or the flu, aside from feeling sick during the day. It was hard to sleep at all because of my body aching and getting cramps on my body, the hot flashes and night sweats."

Fortunately, for her 14-year-old son, he experienced only mild symptoms, she said. Her youngest child didn't show any symptoms despite testing positive for the coronavirus.

Although she's not sure how she contracted the virus, LeJeune reminds people to be kind to one another — just as her mail carrier was nice to her — and to take the virus seriously.

"I would say unless it is necessary, try to stay at home. I might’ve been one of the lucky ones," LeJeune said. "We need to take care to not pass COVID-19 to others who may not be able to handle it."