Careful School Bus
Kids test our patience because they take time eating, tying shoelaces and buttoning their coats. We’re always in a hurry to go somewhere or do something. Something very sad happened on one feeder bus, that collected passengers from a Toronto subway station.
The little boy tried to talk to the mother, who was on her phone. She ignored him. He tapped her arm. She turned and glared at him. He got the message and sat back, deep into his seat. They got off at a building written DAY CARE. That impatience does not work on the road, especially following the school bus. You can’t miss it. I don’t know about other countries, but it is big and yellow, in Canada and U.S.
All drivers know the rules. They cannot overtake a bus with flashing lights. That’s a warning that kids are getting off or entering and that means one word: unpredictable. They might chase each other around the bus or run after a ball. They are kids. They don’t know that you are late for work or fun. The warning about not overtaking is written in big letters on the back of the bus. Why should it be written? Because common sense is on extended leave, and that was long before cellphones got here. We forget that kids are kids and that they are a delight, when their bellies are full. They might run around that bus, playing hide and seek.
Yes, we are impatient with kids at home and in public, but I’m happy to report that drivers in this town respect those flashing school bus lights. One day in October three buses off-loaded kids in front of the local theatre. Cars waited all the way to the hotel and children’s museum. No honking. It was a pleasant surprise. I guess we haven’t forgotten what matters. Healthy kids.
Nonqaba waka Msimang
Executive Blogger
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