There is nothing more than the satisfaction of a job well done. Then, the added bonus of feeling the appreciation of the people I serve.
Recently, I received my first tip as a school bus driver. It was a sign of the deep respect that the kids have for the safe travel I provide for them on a daily basis. I felt blessed to receive the one-time bonus on that particular day.
Yesterday, I received my second tip.
It is late afternoon. The kids were eager to get home, and I was filling in on this route. It is a nice route. It is easy to drive in a relatively low-traffic area, and the kids are well-behaved. I came to a stop, where I saw a parent waiting for their young boy. As I watched to ensure he was crossing the road safely, another boy came up behind me.
This action is NOT allowed. Nobody is allowed to move on the bus. It is dangerous, and having a bus filled with small children means they cannot possibly predict what will happen on the road. It is a matter of safety that everyone stays seated at all times.
I turned from my seat, ready to lay down the law on this wayward child. How dare anyone disobey the single most important rule of being on a bus!
Then I saw what he was holding.
Money.
Oh.
That changed things.
Here is a child holding onto another dime. The boy had found it and was handing it to me.
Wow.
I was touched.
First, an anonymous student had left me a tip. Second, a young, trustworthy boy wanted to ensure the tip’s rightful owner (me) got it.
Good kid.
I like you, I thought to myself.
In my generosity, I told this boy he could keep it. His eyes bulged with his new wealth. He ran back to his seat, all excited and bubbled with joy. I could hear him talk in the back about his new fortune.
Sharing this tip with a boy will set me back on my year-end reward for a Timbit. These things are 35 cents now, so I will have to work all the harder to get the appreciation of those who ride my bus.
