NORTON SHORES, Mich. — On the melted snow of Pontaluna Road in Norton Shores, traffic always floods. That may be caused by Walter Strickler, who waves.
Walter has lived in his home on Pontaluna nearly his whole life.
“My grandpa owned all this land between here and a fire hydrant down there. So my dad inherited this," he said.
For 25 of his 75 years, Walter’s been on his lawn chair, waving to cars that pass by him.
“Monday through Friday 3:15 to 5:30 and in good weather, sometimes on Saturday," he said.
For him, it's like clocking in for his full-time job, where he specializes in sending goodness in waves.
“Makes their day and makes them smile. They're glad to see me," he smiled. "Everybody needs a little bit of encouragement.”
This year, suddenly Walter the Waver and his lawn chair became more.
“Well, you kind of think, 'Oh, that's so cute.' And then I realized he really makes my day," said Debra Larson, who lives a mile down the road.
“We definitely rely on him," she said.
For her and many others in the area, Walter means home.
“I come around, turn right onto Pontaluna to go home. And as soon as I turn at the light there, I look to see if he's out and I'm so excited. I’m honking my horn and waving. He just brightens your day," she said.
It was his day she wanted to brighten next.
“I had posted on Facebook that I thought that everybody should send him Christmas cards," she explained. “I couldn't believe all the responses that I got. I didn't realize so many people thought about it the same way that I did.”
At 75 years old, Walter requires a walker to get to his chair. But nothing could keep him from his mailbox every morning this season.
“I would love him to be acknowledged for all that he does for our community," she said. “I hope they bring him joy, and that he's not alone.”
“It was a total surprise," said Walter. “Took me an hour to read 'em.”
He's a man of few words. But his gesture? That speaks for itself.
“Well everyone has their ministry, so this must be mine," he said.
If you'd like to send a card to Walter, you can address it to 858 E. Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores MI 49444. Since this story aired, Walter has received more than 600 cards from community members telling him just how loved he is.
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