A mother shuffles away from the school bus stop after her daughter has boarded. She moves like it is exceptionally early in the morning, though the sun is up and busily blinding drivers heading east. Her hair in a haggard ponytail, she pulls the sleeves of her navy sweatshirt over her hands as she moves homeward.
The girl must be one of the first picked up, as the school bus appears otherwise empty. She opens a window on the left side of the bus and extends a pink-coat-sleeved-arm, fluttering it up and down, waving to her mother’s back. In the last moment, before the bus pulls away, the mother turns and sees the unanswered gesture. She awakens. She begins waving back wide, with both arms, like flagging down an airplane, then she blows her dear girl a goodbye kiss. She resumes her exhaustion only when the bus turns the corner.
–Loveland, Colorado
I love Fall!
If only I still had a little one at home to pick up after school with cookies and a hug, help with homework, and tuck in at night. Cherish those days, moms (and dads)!
Lovely! I can only reference it from the child’s side, and from hating to ride the bus.
I sometimes long for those days when my kids were little. I looked forward to them coming home every day. Bittersweet. Fall this year in Ft. Collins has been spectacular and every day is a visual gift. When the wind was blowing them around this week I was in heaven!
We’ve been having AMAZING fall weather. I could do without the wind, but the sky is so bright. I also think I’m noticing the leaves and the mountains much more this year.
Oh Paige I love this one.
I knew you would, Krista!
Much love!
Thanks for passing
Thanks for passing it back!
So much suggested back story for the mom. What happens next? Why is she so exhausted (besides the early hour)? What is she wanting to hide from the innocent eyes of her daughter? Good stuff!