They are all like a second family to this letter carrier in Glendale, Arizona. That's why he delivered a hand-written letter to each of the homes on his route last week, to announce his retirement.

One of those who received the letter used a more modern form of communication, Reddit, to share a photo of the letter, which delighted thousands of readers, who posted comments about their own beloved mail carriers.

They also suggested the neighbors should throw a party for the man in blue.

"I've been here long enough that I've seen kids when they are little, and I watch them grow up," said Michael Raymer, who is hanging up his mail bag on September 30, after 20 years at the US Postal Service.

(WATCH the video below or READ more from KSAZ News)

Photo by Reddit user g3tyasum – Story tip from Tonya Brown Wright 

SHARE the love… (Click below)