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Hudson & the Little Yellow School Bus

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Something sweet happened today. Very sweet. I know I told you I pressed the pause button on my weekend musings this summer, but I’ll just tell you. Real quick.

Hudson & the Yellow School Bus. Hudson is 5, has Down syndrome. I was worried about him riding the bus. This is Hudson's story of his beloved yellow bus.

So today (Thursday) is my Hudson’s last day of school. (Hudson is six years old, youngest of four boys, has Down syndrome.) The truth is, I didn’t even know it was his last day of school. I thought tomorrow (Friday) was. But this morning, Hudson’s morning bus driver kindly tells me to have a great summer. And it sounds so final.

Confused, I say “You too, will I see you in the morning?” And sadly, that’s how I learn it’s the last day. Ouch.

(Yeah, so I won’t get Mother of the Year award.)

That afternoon, the Little Yellow School Bus for special needs children arrives to drop off Hudson. And as the double doors swing open wide, the afternoon driver, she smiles. But she’s different today. Her eyes, they’re red and wet. And as Hudson slowly makes his way to the front, I see the big hot tears roll down.

“Are you ok?” I ask. Because she worries me.

“Don’t mind me,” she mumbles. “I’ve been like this all day.” Pause. “I’m really going to miss these kids.”

Now I’m the teary one. Speechless. Me. Well, almost. And husky-voiced, I whisper, “Thank you. God bless you for loving our children.”

Read on to learn more about Hudson, his beloved Little Yellow School Bus and a few of the very wonderful people that spin his world.

Dear friends, I know many of you like to stay updated on our little Hudson. I haven’t filled you in since the cardiology Heart Hudson post nearly a month ago. Last spring I’d hoped to write about Hudson and the Little Yellow School Bus but it didn’t happen. He just started back to school again. A big boy, in kindergarten this year.

So last fall Hudson started pre-school. The pre-school’s only ten minutes away, but with the school bus traffic and car line, etc. it morphed into a forty-five minute drive there and back. So driving it twice for drop-off and pick-up, I was driving an hour and a half for him to be at preschool for two and a half.

Come January, I started thinking perhaps I should consider letting Hudson ride on the special needs bus to pre-school. It’s a Little Yellow School Bus operated by Easter Seals of NH with a chaperone on board for the children. My concern about him riding the bus is that he’s mostly non-verbal.

Not only can’t he tell me how his day went at school, he can’t fill me in on the bus ride either. As my chauffeuring continued through the fall, I thought more and more about what a few extra minutes in my schedule might mean. (Guaranteed shower? Flossing my teeth twice a day?? Ha.) Swallowing my fears, I finally signed him up to ride the bus one way to school.

The big day finally arrived after Christmas break, Hudson’s first time riding the bus. If you don’t know Hudson, anything new is a significant challenge. Food, sippy cups, car seats, videos, people, music, books, places.

You name it, any change is tough for Hudson and he cries often. So I was apprehensive about how he would do getting on the bus the first time.

Misery Loves Company. A humorous twist on one New England mama's fight against the wintery elements. Just call me Tundra Woman.

Unfortunately it was a frigid day. (And what January day isn’t around here?) The snow piled three feet high on either side of the driveway, as tall as Hudson. Just a narrow single file passage to squeeze by the suburban.

The bus was supposed to arrive at 12:15, but at 12:00 I heard a honk outside. Oh no, the bus. Early. They told me they’d honk and wait up to 3 minutes, then drive on.

Well first of all, Hudson does NOT like putting a coat on. Period. Doesn’t like to be hurried either. They say every person has a correlating animal.

Hudson’s is a cat.

Rush him, and he plants himself, plugs his mouth with a thumb. Ignore him, and he’ll be your best friend. (Incidentally, he also loves unwinding yarn balls…)

Back to the bus and the honk. So I rush around grabbing Hudson’s hat, coat, mittens, boots etc. His backpack. The elusive mittens are nowhere to be found.

By now, Hudson, sensing the hurry, has firmly planted himself on the kitchen floor. Refuses to budge or be rushed. Throws off the ski hat not once or twice, but three times. Tick tick tick….how many minutes have gone by?

Finally I give up on the mittens, pull his long coat sleeves down, tuck his little hands up inside, pull on his hood. Hoist my little eskimo and walk through the mudroom, out the door, and down the steps.

Setting him down outside, thankfully he decides he’ll walk. But in retrospect, I really wish I’d just slowed down.

Because the world would’ve kept turning had we missed the bus that day.

As we squeeze between the suburban and the snow bank, Hudson slightly behind me but hand in hand, he trips. Falls directly into that mile high snow bank. Snowy bare hands, snowy overalls. Tears. (Hudson, not me.) Poor little guy. (And of course I feel like the worst mom ever.)

I hurriedly brush him off and we keep walking down the driveway. The bus assistant, a cheerful older man, is waiting at the end:

“Heya Hudson! How ya doin’ there buddy? Do you like the yellow school bus?” he bellows.

At that moment, Hudson’s not doing so well. Pink nosed, teary eyed and sniffling. Not to mention a suspicious look for the bus assistant.

And my thoughts : “Oh. No. This man’s too loud. Too scary. This will never work long-term for Hudson.”

Well somehow, Hudson climbs the stairs of the bus with Charlie that day. He looks unsure, nervous. But he goes. And he’s not crying. And that, to me, is nothing short of a miracle.

Hudson & the Yellow School Bus. Hudson is 5, has Down syndrome. I was worried about him riding the bus. This is Hudson's story of his beloved yellow bus.

Over the next few months, Hudson came to look forward to the school bus arriving. It didn’t happen overnight, it took weeks. But I think it was mostly that he loved seeing that gregarious Charlie.

And every time we’d come out the door to get on the Little Yellow School Bus, Charlie would shout up a noisy greeting. Patiently wait as we carefully navigated the door and stairs. Meet us halfway, carry Hudson’s booster seat and backpack.

And Hudson would beam. Absolutely BEAM!!!! He loved that man. Despite my fears, Charlie turned out to be a beautiful gift.

Over the summer Hudson attended a morning pre-school during the month of July. Charlie golfed every chance he could summers, so he didn’t help on the bus route anymore.

Seems there were always different drivers and helpers. And while Hudson got on the bus without tears, there wasn’t anyone quite like Charlie. We’d come out of the house, and I could tell by Hudson’s expectant face, that he was looking for Charlie. He truly loved Charlie.

So last week it was time to get back on the school bus again. This year Hudson’s a bigger boy, riding both ways. And it’s a brand new Little Yellow School Bus with tinted windows. The drivers and helpers have been so kind. The first morning we go out to the bus, and a lovely older lady introduces herself as Gigi.

Well that works perfectly, because Hudson’s grandmother is Gigi. He climbed the stairs happily, and I wave goodbye.

Hudson & the Yellow School Bus. Hudson is 5, has Down syndrome. I was worried about him riding the bus. This is Hudson's story of his beloved yellow bus.

Several days later, the bus comes to drop him off after school. I wait and wait at the bus door for Hudson to get off. The sweet bus assistant, a different lady from the morning route brings him up.

“He gets so excited to see you through the window. Smiles and waves. It’s hard to get him out of his seat because he’s so focused watching you through the window. He’s absolutely adorable.”

I just can’t see all the joy because of those tinted windows…

Hudson & the Yellow School Bus. Hudson is 5, has Down syndrome. I was worried about him riding the bus. This is Hudson's story of his beloved yellow bus.

Hudson has a little ritual he began over the summer. He stands in the driveway, watches as the bus drives away. Waves and waves ’til it rounds the bend and he can’t see it anymore. Then clearly says two words:

“Bye bus.”

(That counts as a sentence, don’t you think?) And then he’s happy to go inside.

This past Tuesday morning Hudson is all dressed to beat the band, ready for school. There’s still fifteen minutes before the bus arrives. All on his own, without prompting or mention of the bus, he races to the door, yells, “Bus, bus!”

I’m telling you, he loves that Little Yellow School Bus. I click on Curious George to pass the time. Fifteen minutes comes and goes and still the bus doesn’t show. Finally I call Easter Seals to see what’s up, if they’re coming.

“No school in Manchester today,” she says. “It’s voting day for the local primaries.”

Right. I knew about the primary, but somehow missed the no school memo. Then Hudson comes back in the kitchen, looks for the bus again. And I have to tell him no bus today. He plants himself on the kitchen floor. Tears and thumb.

Know what? Those tears make this mama very happy. Because they tell a story my little boy cannot: that he’s happy, loved and well-taken care of on that Little Yellow School Bus.

Tears of joy. (Me.)

You may also enjoy: Glimpse of Sunshine

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein

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Comments

      • Mickey2942 says

        Such a good story. It is important for children with disabilities to develop that independence and self reliance. He can be okay in the world, even if you are not with him every second of the day. And now, he feels that too.

        Reply

        • Allie says

          Hi Mickey, thanks. I just put Hudson, now 11, on the bus, then read your comment. Brought back memories from that very first day. 🙂 Since I wrote this post, Hudson has been diagnosed with autism, which is a crazy combo diagnosis, along with the Down syndrome. While he’s still non-verbal and incontinent, he has grown in so many other ways. Grateful for every day and each milestone. Have a beautiful day, thanks for dropping by.

          Reply

  3. Dianne says

    Great story. Wish I could be a helper on that bus. Such a sweet picture of Hudson. May the Lord continue such blessings in your life.

    Reply

  4. Bonnie M says

    What a sweet story to begin the day with. Very special boy. Thank you for sharing. Makes me want to sing the tune “The wheels on the bus go round and round”.
    Love ya.

    Reply

  7. Nancy Mcmahan says

    Wheels of the bus came to mind for me too. Hudson looks like a big boy on his yellow bus with a great smile. Those helpers are very lucky.

    Reply

  8. Linda Jenkins says

    This is such a wonderful story, Allie. Love the picture standing near the steps of the bus and smiling brightly. So glad to hear of the patient, kind, wonderful bus drivers. Reminds me that a genuine smile and kindness can help to make anyone’s day a bit brighter. The bus drivers make Hudson’s days brighter, and the way he reciprocates warms their hearts. Amazing how God makes all right in our world.

    Reply

  11. Aunt Pinkie says

    Such a touching story, Allie. And wonderful for the loving people on the bus! Am so glad that he loves the Little Yellow School Bus!

    Reply

  12. Susan says

    Tears from auntie, too…lovely, so glad he’s happy to be on board and you get a few extra minutes of needed peace each day that little yellow bus shows up!

    Reply

  13. Carina says

    Gifted Allie, what a beautiful, joyful story, told as only you can tell it. The pictures of Hudson are priceless – the facial expression when he is looking directly at you is beyond heart- warming. Thank you so much for sharing and enriching our day. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply

  19. Denise Q. says

    Hudson is such a blessing as are you, my friend. His smile just warms my heart. I’m so happy for both of you that he loves the bus.

    Reply

  20. Tracy says

    Love, love, love! I loved this piece! I know how hard it was to start sending him to school never mind on the bus! I am so happy that you have piece of mind when Hudson leaves on that little yellow school bus. That really is a true gift!! I so enjoyed reading this. You are such a talented writer. That picture of Hudson is precious! He looks like such a big boy!!!

    Reply

  21. Christy Smith says

    I can’t think of a better way to start this week than the reminder that the things we dread can become our very delight! For both us and our children. So glad you shared this charming, heartwarming story. It is refreshing to read something so sweet!

    Reply

    • Allie says

      Thanks sweet cousin. You are so right. I didn’t think about that. The things we dread often turn out to be the blessings in disguise. Reminds of the famous words from “God Moves in A Mysterious Way” by William Cowper

      Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
      The clouds ye so much dread
      Are big with mercy and shall break
      In blessings on your head.

      much love to you and yours. XOXO

      Reply

    • Allie says

      Thank you very much, Eva. Hudson got off the bus today, just a few minutes ago. You’re right. His smile is contagious.So thankful for this little boy. xo

      Reply

  23. Pauline says

    I just read this wonderful story, and thrilled to see how this
    all turned out. This Little Yellow Bus is truly a blessing
    for you all! Thank you Allie for sharing.

    Reply

  25. RuthAnne Fuller says

    What a lovely surprise to hear from you this morning and such a precious story. Hudson is such
    a sweet little guy…have a wonderful summer. And by the way…YOU are a great Mom!!!! xoxo…RA

    Reply

    • Allie says

      Thank you so much for the kindness, RuthAnne. I know you have a very busy summer planned, I hope it’s going great! Love to you and Herb.

      Reply

  26. nancy mcmahan says

    Hudson is blessed to have you as a parent. He has to go with the flow that happens in every family. A wonderful thing for Hudson to be learning. Mother of the Year award…..pretty sure you earn that award times 4 boys.

    Reply

  27. Tracy says

    Your new update of the little yellow school bus had ME tearing up too! How comforting it is to know how much this bus driver loves these kids. You have had great success with the little yellow school bus! I love that picture of precious Hudson!!

    Reply

  28. Susie Mandel says

    I LOVE this story and almost didn’t read it because I read it the first time you posted it. So glad I did! I would have missed the beautiful preface you added if I had simply pressed “delete” on my email message. I love you, Allie, and your entire dear, sweet family. <3

    Reply

    • Allie says

      I love you too Susie. We travel very different roads and yet we have One very important thing in common: the love of Jesus. Looking forward to when we meet again. It won’t be soon enough.

      Reply

  29. Christy Stansbury says

    Tears here, too. I understand. At 21, Jacob still has bus issues. He can’t just grab his jacket and backpack if the bus is early or he is running late. The jacket must be zipped and the straps adjusted… We have been blessed with a very patient driver.

    After a month at high school, it was time for Jacob’s IEP. I was so nervous about sending a mostly non-verbal boy to a big new school with so many kids who didn’t know him. And his teacher was a huge man. I wondered how I would ever know if Jacob was comfortable in his new setting. How would he tell me if something was amiss? After the IEP, his teacher asked Jacob if he wanted to go home with me or stay at school and ride the bus home. Jacob’s response was to wrap his arms around his teacher’s waist and say, “stay.” That was all the communication this mom needed.

    Prayers and blessings for you and Jon and Hudson as you continue this wondrous journey together.

    Reply

    • Allie says

      Thank you for sharing Christy. I find you and Jacob an inspiration. It truly gives me hope to hear the inspiring stories of those who have gone before. I try to focus on one day at a time around here because usually that’s all I can handle, but it is SO encouraging to hear your stories. Thank you for taking the time to share them here. XO

      Reply

  30. Aunt Margie says

    Oh my goodness, I love your reruns, and then I wonder if I’ve ever read them before. Precious little boy with the smile that lights 1000 hearts on fire! Such a busy time for you with your four boys and end-of-the-year graduations, honors and endless activities. May you be wrapped in God’s beautiful blessings. Indeed you are.

    Reply

  33. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    SO sweet, Allie!! I’m thrilled for both Hudson and you that the little yellow school bus turned out to be a blessing in disguise! It’s fantastic that Hudson actually grew to LOVE that bus and the lovely people on it. And I’m proud of you for giving it a chance, I know that must have been such a hard decision for you. Thrilled it turned out to be a great one. I hope you and your family have a beautiful summer, my dear friend! I can’t wait to read all about it here on your blog! Cheers, sweetie! XOXO

    Reply

  36. Sheeba Pillai says

    Thank you so much for this heartwarming article ! Loved reading it .Please give Hudson a big hug from me .God Bless.

    Reply

    • Allie says

      Thank you so much for dropping by and for your very kind words. I’d be delighted to give Hudson an extra hug from you. My pleasure.:) Have a beautiful day!

      Reply

  37. Mandi Korn says

    What a wonderful post and accomplishment for you and your little Hudson. I am proud that you conquered your fears and this all turned into something wonderful for him. As I was reading I was hoping that Charlie was going to come back….secretly I still hope he does:o)

    Reply

  38. Kathy Rupff says

    Hi Allie, So glad I found your blog from a comment you left on “Beyond the Chicken Coop”…
    You are so beautiful, and so is your writing. And of course, precious Hudson. This post made me cry… Thanks! 🙂

    Reply

    • Allie says

      Hi Kathy – Thank you so much for your very gracious comments. I lost more than a few tears writing this piece. Also living it. Hudson has definitely grown me and our entire family. Life is precious and sweet. Thank you so much for dropping by. XO

      Reply

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