‘Meeting Bella’

Watching young people grow, mature and assimilate into society is the reward for the time and energy spent guiding them along the way. I’ve experienced it both as a parent and a Brighton school crossing guard.

Recently, I met Bella, one of my former high school ‘crossers’. She recognized me first while we both were waiting in line at a local coffee oasis. It took a brief moment to place her. That happens more nowadays, especially before the first dose of morning dark roast.

‘Meeting Bella’ could be a metaphor for the ‘crossers’ I occasionally meet in town or while walking the neighborhood. The encounters are generally brief, either because we’re not quite sure of each other, or time doesn’t allow us a moment for small talk.

If we do chat, it’s a quick ‘catch up’ on what they’re doing with their life. Depending on their age, some are in post graduate work, some are matriculating at local universities. Others are finishing high school while a few are holding down their first job.

One ‘crosser’ with whom I exchanged early morning pleasantries works at a local grocery store. He impresses me with his diligence, going about his tasks of arranging product throughout the store, stocking shelves, cleaning floors, becoming a dependable asset for the employer. I remind him of that while shopping in the store. A positive word can do wonders.

Another young man attends a US military academy where he’ll earn his stripes, learn to fly jets and hone new leadership skills. A young lady, whom I remember for her early morning perpetual smile, is beginning a course of study in forensics as a college freshman.

Youngsters who rode their bikes to school are now waving at me from behind the steering wheel of a car, sometime their own.

As for Bella, she’s not a kid, anymore. She’s a sophisticated young woman who exudes such confidence and self esteem, attributes that will serve her well in the classroom when she finishes her training to become a school teacher.

As for our own children, both are well into their careers and keeping their eyes on us as we did on them. Our roles are beginning to turn, naturally.

I like to think that our daily meetings at the sidewalk crossing spot, the ‘Curbside Classroom’, where we exchanged pleasantries, answered trivia, gazed up at the winter stars and squinted from the rising sun, was a positive experience for the youngsters. In the very least, if they were smiling by the time they reached the other side, then I considered it was ‘mission accomplished’, and I smiled, too.

I’m confident these young people will change the world for the better.

“Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation” (Ronald Reagan)

Steve (101023)

srbottch@gmail.com

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srbottch

Retired in 2013 after 5 years as an elementary school teacher and 40 years as a sales representative to begin anew as a school crossing guard. SMy essays/stories are a way to communicate through the telling of personal experiences. One reader said about my blog stories, "...these are like a cold sip during a marathon run, simple, real life events". Another offered about my blog, “it brings some sense of normalcy not easily found in the modern world.”

23 thoughts on “‘Meeting Bella’”

  5. I can relate to this post very much. The “kids ” from my first class are now almost 50. I’ve taught children of .children. Nothing quite like having a parent teacher conference with an adult who used to be one of your students. I have the great fortune of living in the same town I taught, so running into a familiar face happens almost weekly. Today, it was at the gym. I instantly recognized the young lady (Shelby). It never gets old, Steve.

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    1. Pete, isn’t it amazing how the passage of time brings new experiences and new people into our lives. I recently received a note from a mother of a brother/sister whom I crossed, telling me that the activities I did as a crossing guard were fodder for evening meal table talk. I’m sure you’ve had the same influence on students, as well. Knowing that you had some positive impact in a kid’s life is such an awesome feeling.

      On a different topic, I understand that you recently had a health issue regarding your heart. I trust you’re doing fine, now. I wish you the best, Pete. You can update me anytime (Stephen.bottcher@gmail.com)

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      1. Thank you for your kindness and compassion. I’m on the rebound and doing well. This week I went back to the gym. Of course, I’m easing into things and using common sense.

        You obviously made quite an impression on the children you encountered if their parents are bringing up these topics years later. I think you and I have similar mindsets, realizing that our former students are or will become leaders in the future.

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    1. Liz, I can’t thank you enough for your very kind comment. You’ve put a big smile on my face and a spring in my step as I get ready to step out the door for my morning dog walk. I may even whistle while I walk, that’s how good I feel. You’ve motivated me to find more words and finish the stories that are ‘in the queue’ (I had to look up the spelling of that last word😉).

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  10. Dursh Bains
    Only a happy person or bird sing. But what is the origin?
    Probably LONG TIME BACK when the man killed a prey after a long pursuit , he puckered his lips to take a deep breath. A sound came out which he could repeat with some practice. It probably became his happy tune when he hunted his daily food.
    I enjoy your stories. They are like a story time for adults – or may be someone like me in second childhood.

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    1. You’re referencing the whistling story, of course. Thanks for your analysis. The first whistler probably scared himself when he made the sound. I love second childhoods. Can’t wait to outgrow my first so I can join you for more fun.

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  11. My goodness, what an inspiring post. I remember your crossing guard stories well, they are among my favorites. You made a difference, I can attest to that. Meeting Bella and other ‘crossers’ lets you know you gave them something that stuck, something special. Yes, mission accomplished!

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