I'll Definitely Pay it Forward

I started driving my own bus last week, after I'd passed my CDL exams and ran the routes with a supervisor for a couple of days. I'm on my own, just my monitor and me. I like it, driving the bus. It is stressful sometimes, and we've had incidents that can't be repeated here, but all-in-all, it's a good job.

The only problem is that I only get paid once a month, on the 25th of each month...and the pay schedule is a month behind. So I've been working since the beginning of August and don't get paid until the end of September. It's been difficult financially but I'm doing what needs done. It would actually help if NYS would come through with my child support on a regular schedule. It's hard to budget when I don't know how much money I'll have when I need it. I'm still managing.

The past two days I've had to spend my off time between bus runs, four hours, sitting at the office because I don't have the gas money to get home and then back to work again. It's okay. I have my phone with my books downloaded onto it so I can read and just enjoy the time by myself. And I honestly think I only mentioned it in passing to one person.

Today I got home and cleaned my house because Friday is cleaning day. Always has been, always will be. Yes, there is the odd occasion where I'll clean Saturday morning but I like it done on Friday so I can spend Saturday and Sunday doing nothing. Today, though, I got a surprise. I had literally just finished cleaning and was in the kitchen putting away my cleaning supplies when Ty called out for me from the living room.

When I went to see what he wanted he pointed at the front door and there were three kids, two girls and a boy, standing there with shopping bags. I figured they were selling something for a school fundraiser and was trying to think of a way to let them down without sounding mean. When I opened the door, though, the older of the girls, the oldest of the three, actually, asked if I was me, by name. When I told her I was she said, "We were told to give this to you."

The kids then proceeded to hand me two pizzas from Papa Murphy's, along with a card and five grocery bags. When I asked who told them to give it to me she simply said, "We can't tell you." So they loaded me up with pizzas and bags. I set them all on the sofa and turned to hug each kid and gave a big thank you. I was already tearing up. I had no idea who'd sent the stuff to me. They wished me a good evening and left.

Ty and I took everything to the kitchen and opened the bags. Besides the pizzas there were snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. And soda...three bottles. Two DVDs, a deck of cards, an UNO deck, and an adult coloring book with colored pencils and pens. I laid claim to the book and pencils right away. Then I opened the card. A simple card with a simple greeting inside and a handwritten message that said "Because you matter." Along with the message was cash. Enough cash that I burst into tears.

I think Ty was stunned and didn't know what to do or say but when we called Zach down he just gave me a big hug and told me to be happy. Hell, I was happy. I was friggin' ecstatic. I was standing there trying to figure out who'd sent such an awesome gift and I still haven't figured it out. I do know it was someone or someones from work because of the way the envelope was addressed. I just wish I knew who it was so I could properly thank them.

I guess that's not going to happen though so I'll just say it here even though I don't really have the right words. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. My kids and I are really grateful and appreciative of this wonderful gift you've given us. You'll never know what it means to us. I'm happy there are still good people out there and I promise that I'll pay it forward just as soon as I can. Thank you, again.

Until next time...peace to all.