Mrs. Loney was my bus driver from kindergarten to sixth grade. She also was a member of my church and close family friend. She drove her bus with an iron fist. I remember one time some kids were acting up and she pulled the bus over. There were about six of us left and I was about two minutes from home. We stayed there for what seemed like forever until she decided we had all learned our lesson. If we misbehaved she would ask what our parents would think.....and then call them that evening or tell them on Sunday so we would find out.
She took her job seriously. We never had to worry about the trip to and from school. If we weren't met by an adult she made sure we got to our door no matter how long the line of cars was behind the bus. Along the way, she taught us about respect and responsibility.. She knew when we got report cards; always celebrating our successes and giving us encouragement when we needed it.
Today, two little girls in the after school program where I teach, asked me for a ride home. They didn't want to walk past the MEN hanging outside on their way home knowing they would call out for them to come over. The other teacher asked the girls what they thought the men wanted and one of them answered: "I don't know but I don"t want to find out".
Where are these children's Mrs. Loneys? Instead of a free bus that makes sure people can shop with ease, how about a Charm City Circulator that ensures our kids can get home safely; at least a ride home on a dark, cold winter's night. If we don't start investing in our kids; helping to fight the horrible circumstances some of them are surrounded by, how can we expect them not to succumb to their environment?
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