Personal Journey Entry # 10

I have had a long and varied professional life. I have managed dozens of people and owned a convenience store and diner, but nothing has been more rewarding or required as much diligence and responsibility as driving a school bus. Having a yellow bus full of other people’s blood and treasure is a sobering experience. People often speak ill about today’s kids, which is such an unfair stereotype. Kids today are certainly different than the last generation, but that does not make them bad kids. They need a little patience and understanding. What my junior high kids did today is an example of how good-hearted these young teenagers can be.

These kids do not like change or surprises. I mentioned to them yesterday, that they would have a few sub drivers the week after next week’s vacation. Of course they had questions, and I was honest with them. They deserve the straight scoop and will recognize when they are sold a bill of goods. Well,t hey went to work overnight and brought me to tears when we got to school this morning. As they unloaded, they gave me two large bags of gifts and handed me get-well cards.

One of the cards did it to me. It was from a brother/sister act. The young girl rules the front of the bus, and her brother, the back end. The card read, “When I feel ill, a can of soup always makes me feel better.” In the bag were two cans of chicken soup. This act of kindness by a bunch of middle school kids hit me with the reality of my situation. To this point, this situation has been an out-of-body experience. Today, it hit hard.

With these thoughtful gifts and beautiful cards, they made me aware that I am the on with the cancer in my body. With their soft blanket, crossword puzzle books, and, yes, chicken soup, they let me know that I am the one lying under the scalpel, hoping these fine surgeons will be guided by God’s hand and will extract all of the ugly cancer cells from my body. It was a sad and wonderful moment. I love these kids and am glad their parents opted to share them with me.