Reid was known for his love of garbage trucks and all things trash. He loved to “talk garbage and recycling” and had quite the collection of trash cans, garbage trucks, and recycling trucks. Where did this love come from? Well, it started with a Blippi garbage truck video; it then escalated quickly when Reid realized the number of trash cans and linen containers at Hotel Hospital (Stead Family Children’s Hospital). Reid loved sorting his garbage, recycling, and linens. He even received a real City of Davenport garbage can of his own from his neighbors. From there, garbage became his job, his true calling, and his passion.
Monday was garbage day at the Gleeson’s. Reid was always prepared, and he loved pulling his garbage cans to the end of the driveway. On cold mornings, he watched from the window; during the nicer days, he would be out there cheering on the garbage men. Reid would tell them just what to do, “Grab it, pick it up, and dump it into the hopper! Slam it back down!” When Reid couldn’t be home for trash day due to treatment, he’d FaceTime with family members to check out their trash cans.
Reid and his family would drive around looking for stinky garbage trucks and dumpsters. Reid had a great eye for garbage. He would notice and shout out which company each belonged to as he spied them. Reid stopped to admire the trash cans everywhere he went: the park, Menards, Hotel Hospital, Disney, and even Kinnick Stadium (which has an impressive collection). Reid’s 3rd Birthday theme “Trash Bash” was a perfect fit for the budding young garbage man. He also chose to dress up as a garbage man three years in a row for Halloween, despite the many other costumes he owned. His garbage fame did not stop there. Reid was given the opportunity to ride in a garbage truck as the Guest of Honor for the City of Davenport’s Festival of Trees Parade. It was a happy day for sure, and he was more than ready for the job! During Reid’s time at Mayo, he toured two garbage and recycling centers, and he even got to visit McNeillus Companies where the garbage trucks are made.
On Reid’s 5th birthday, all of Reid’s supporters sent heartfelt photos of their garbage trucks, garbage cans, and garbage men at their homes for Reid. Little did we know, that on that special day, we’d all fall in love with garbage trucks as The City of Davenport organized a garbage truck parade for Reid – it was so special and bittersweet. (Video Above)
Today, every garbage truck makes our Rally for Reid family smile and reminds us to give our sweet Reid a wave in Heaven.