Last week Jack’s bus driver told me that he was retiring. I’d be lying if I said that we had a close relationship. Sure, I’ve seen Mr. Bus every weekday morning for the last couple of years, but mostly it’s been a series of quick hellos and goodbyes. That said, I did make a point of telling myself to grab a little gift for him as a thank you.

I forgot.

Friday morning I remembered and started scrambling around the house searching for a gift. I usually have some Amazon gift cards handy (you should see the list of teacher gifts we deliver twice a year), but I couldn’t find anything. Then it occurred to me that I could give Mr. Bus a copy of Smiles and Duct Tape. I wrapped up the book with a big gold bow and as I handed it to Mr. Bus I said, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Jack and his buddies. All these kids have a story. This book is Jack’s story.”

He looked down at the book and I couldn’t help but think he was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a gift card or a nice box of chocolates, but he said, “Thank you.”. I stepped off the bus, closed the door, waved goodbye and walked back into the house — that was it. People often come and go in life without much of an impact.

To my surprise, Mr. Bus returned to our house on Monday. He explained that the new driver couldn’t start for a few days. Then, he said that he’d started the book and wanted to thank me for sharing it, “All these years and I loved working with these kids, but never gave much thought as to how they got here.”

It was sweet and I was relieved that my gift hadn’t ended up on a dusty shelf. We spoke for a few minutes about Jack, our family and Mr. Bus’ retirement plans. Then I stepped off the bus, closed the door, waved goodbye and walked back into the house.

This morning Mr Bus arrived and announced that today was officially his last day. I put Jack in his seat and asked Mr. Bus if I could give him a hug goodbye. He didn’t hesitate. He got out of his seat, climbed off the bus and walked around to the sidewalk. We hugged like old friends, then he grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me in the eyes and said, “Mrs. Torrey, I finished the book and I want you to know that before God comes to take you home, you’re going to hear Jack’s voice again. I had one of those dreams last night.”

I couldn’t really speak through the tears that were suddenly pouring out of me. All I could do was nod and say, “Thank you.”

Mr. Bus climbed back into the bus, gave me a wave goodbye and pulled away. I stood frozen on the sidewalk.

People often come and go in life without much of an impact. Sometimes all you need to do is give a little and it’s amazing what you can get back.

Love, Jess