By: Brenda Wilkerson
* To my energetic one who sent this precious note up through a Bus Ranger and took it upon yourself to gift me with the loveliest of homemade notes, ohhhhhh Thank You! You, my small friend, through your act of kindness, made my heart grow 100 x in a single moment!
* To my bus family, thank you for your patience as I have changed your seating several times to try and find the best fit!
* To my ‘Tiny’ who turned around and threw me the biggest kiss when you finally made it down those giant steps and yelled, “Bye, Fwends,” and then doubled over with a gut belly laugh as your Baby Shark backpack almost flipped over your head, your pure joyful innocence is as effective as the most potent drug on the market. I am truly sad that only a few of us enjoy the privilege of breathing in your mood-changing delight. I am already a better person for knowing teensy you.
* To the mysterious one whose hidden talents include crab hand and twisty tongue, I am proud of you for declaring your gifts as you know them! As your talents grow and change, I pray you will always know that you yourself are a beautiful gift and this crazy world needs the ability and the talents the Lord has blessed you with. Shine little one, shine!
* To the miniature shark lanyard I found at the DG for a $1 that fell into by basket and ended up on my tiny blond-haired, lightly freckled-faced rider this afternoon, ugh, I just…couldn’t…resist.
* To my thoughtful upperclassman who took her time to read lil’ Tiny the Pigeon book from the lost and found when I only asked you to give it to him for temporary entertainment, you ROCK sister! Listening to you read and answer all his questions the entire length of our morning journey was exactly what I needed today!
* To my thoughtful rider who let me know that he wouldn’t be riding this afternoon due to his neurologist appointment. Thank you, sir, for your thoughtful consideration at this age.
* To those walkers and exercisers I pass every morning and afternoon, I see you! I see you and I am so proud that you are taking the time to care for your body in this muggy humid weather. Your daily dedication has made me seriously consider doing the same!
* To the young dad who sits crisscross applesauce at the end of his driveway with his kindergarten son every single morning, seeing the blue balloons on your mailbox that indicate there is a new baby in the house and seeing the time you take with new big brother seems even more precious! Thank you for the heart smile!
* To the older riders who keep order, handle problems, report any issues, and keep the peace each day, you are the true heroes on this here bus, and I am honored to be your Captain!
* To the silver clicker-number-counter thingy I gave Baby Shark (AKA Tiny) in hopes it would curb his loud excitement for an hour, unfortunately you only worked for about 2 minutes. So many songs (‘3 lil monkeys’ tune) with few recognizable English words belted out of BabyShark’s soul, but now, with the clicker as an easy-to-play instrument!
* To my favorite clicker accompanied song, “Baby Shark doot (click) doot (click) . . . “, might as well join in cause that song is not going away ANYtime soon!
* To the perfectly square, yellow piece of single-wrapped American cheese food stuck on stop sign number 5, nothing has changed in 5 days, and that is just a bit unnerving! Like a twisted science project, we will be observing your sticky condition twice daily as the seasons change and make our own hypothesis of your ultimate demise. We will also consider personal health choices added to the fact that we actually choose to consume said cheese food.
* To the 1st grader that declared he and his baby sister were ready to be home and would like to be the next ones off the bus, bless your tired hot hearts! Thank you young big brother for your bravery to approach the cockpit using your words to beautifully express your concern for you and your baby sister. Unfortunately, you two are on the back end of the route.
* To my chatty brand new rider who has concluded her daily journey on the Yeller Dawg with, “Very nice to meet you,” each and every time I drop her off, I love your polite and cheerful attitude!
* To my arms and shoulders who miraculously did NOT fall off as we danced and spun to successfully complete 143 cul-de-sacs since 1st day…such a miracle straight from Above!
*To the momma deer and her spotted baby twins galloping through the neighborhood looking to dart into the safe woods nearby, thank you for providing such awe and wonder for my kids on this early morning in our mobile classroom.
*To my ol’ friend Blue, who blessed us with your appearance in your driveway with your lil’ bro while waiting for your big boy middle school bus, we sure miss you buddy. I know you are doing great things!
*To my Ukrainian Sister R who briefly moved to the front seat when her neighbors got off the bus so she could greet her Russian neighbor momma with a, “Hello,” in her native tongue, I love the way you make that connection each day.
*To the young barefoot father dressed for work, sitting crisscross applesauce in the driveway holding your newborn son as you and your kindergartner wait for this bus, I can only assume you were gifting your precious wife with sleep, rest, or shower. You a good man!
*To my bestie-friend Monica who sits on her front porch and prays for me each morning as I squeak to a stop for my Ukrainian princess who lives across the street from ya…Ooooh I am feeling those prayers! My ‘thank you’ honk is heartfelt! Keep those prayers coming.
*To my kindhearted bus buddy who stood to salute brother Sam’s military momma dressed in her full uniform at the bus stop, don’t ever stop showing respect and gratitude for those who risk everything and fight to protect our freedom and our lives.
*To my superhero Netherland brother, Stein, who raises your helpful hand in the very back to help me safely reverse in cul-de-sac #1. With just the casual wave of two fingers and a thumb you communicate how far this big ol’ bus booty can safely maneuver this circular challenge. You are my hero and you don’t even know it. Your helpful heart and keen awareness to assist others is such a blessing that this world desperately needs.
*To my precious cancer momma who just had surgery, it surprised my soul and warmed my heart down to my very toes while sending happy chills down my arms when I saw you this afternoon! Still in your long lounge jammies, you raised your brave hands as far as you possibly could to gift me with our usual heart hands. Oh. My. Heart. Once again, my tears briefly fell. God bless you, BIG sweet fighter momma. It is an honor to walk and pray with you during this uninvited journey.
In other news, lil’ Jack triggered our Drama Queen, who quite clearly got up on the wrong side of the bed this lovely Monday Morning. She then proceeded to scribble a note (her favorite way of expression) and flash it at the 3 rambunctious boys behind her. In her bold lettered handwriting, it read, “I will KILL!” And that, my friends, is how you land your little self in the principal’s office to finish off an already bad morning for our Cranky Diva. We all have choices, let’s make some good ones out there folks!
Heavenly Father, I cannot adequately describe my gratitude for this amazing week! It was hard. It was hot. It was crazy but I have never felt so alive with the endless opportunities around me to be Your hands and feet. Continue to show me where to serve others, no matter how tiny. I’m listening.
By: Brenda Wilkerson
May 16, 2025
