falling asleep on the bus, 9.16.24

isn’t it crazy how one small thing can trigger your memory to an experience you forgot about? i was sitting on the edge of my bed on my phone facing the window. a school bus pulls up to drop some of my neighbors off. as soon as i saw the bus, i was transferred back in time to elementary school at sanfordville in warwick, new york. i remember my bus driver was skinny white lady named ms. barbara. i’ve been so lucky to come across kind people all my life, and she was one of them. ever since i was young, my family would take road trips what felt like all the time. i always fell asleep during them. this is something that hasn’t left me all these years. when i’m not driving, if i’m in the car, i get drowsy. well, one day after school i fell asleep on the bus after school and missed my house on the route. i woke up and was so confused where i was at. i didn’t recognize any of the houses and that’s when i knew i missed my stop. i looked up at ms. barbara and she told me she noticed i was asleep and she let me sleep. after her last stop, she circled back and dropped me off. at the time i was aware of how kind that was of her. years later, now that i’m thinking about it, it makes me emotional. she was so nice to me, even outside of that situation. if it’s one thing, kids do remember. it’s been over 20 years and that moment just came to me after seeing my neighbor’s get off their bus.

ms. barbara probably doesn’t remember me, but i remember her and i hope she’s doing well.

-ratha, 4:13pm, 9.16.24