Almost Lucky

Who are we when were young?  We often look back and hardly recognize that person who knew everything. The person who felt the world on their shoulders. Some of us muddled threw our teen years with barely a scratch. Others felt their only options were drugs and the life style that went with it. If they were lucky it became only a stage not easily forgotten. Those who weren't as lucky had mothers who mourned their deaths and wondered where they went wrong.

Some where in the middle are a few who were neither lucky or dead. They have became part of our penal system. That is my young man I meet on the bus.  He was sitting behind me. Gazing over at my book. He was the one who spoke to me first. He ask me what I was reading. That quickly became the bases of conversation. I found out in prison there is a lot of time to reflect and read. At the tender age of 18 he was caught using prescription drugs. I ask if that was a good thing or bad? His reply was simple and truthful. He said it was a good thing, because it probably saved his life.  I wondered if he would have been one of the lucky ones.  His option now was to finish the remainder of his sentence through the work release program in our city.

The work release program is not a walk in the park. First you must find full time employment. All forms of restitution must be meet. These include a variety of issues, child support, all debt and any court cost that have been involved in your incarceration. Then you must also pay room and board to the state. The list goes on . One of the requirements is to either ride the bus to and from work,secure private transportation or arrange for a taxi. That is where my young man came in. He was leaving work from his early morning shift. I'm not sure how he made it to work. I do know if he worked evenings our buses only run to 6:30 pm. I told him the city had considered dropping Saturday bus service. He told me without Saturday bus service his 250 roommates would probably lose their jobs. These were jobs required by the state. Jobs that required them to work Saturdays or any time they could squeeze them into the short schedule that our bus system runs.

The young man and I departed at the downtown station. I spent a couple more minutes talking with him. He pointed out where his home was for the remainder of his sentence. I could almost envision his front door from where we  were standing. After saying our goodbyes I reflected on our conversation.  He was a optimistic young man in spite of his situation. He wanted to continue his education and make a new life. His ambition and  motivation was testimony to those who helped him along the way. I pray on his new journey threw life that he finds what we all search for.  A life full of love and happiness.

Comforts of Home

Work is left behind for another day. It time to adventure outdoors to catch my bus. The heat on the sidewalk makes it's way into ever pore of my body. The comforts of a air conditioned bus soon will mine. As my fellow passengers board we sit our weary bones into the seats. We find comfort in knowing were on our way home.

 That is except for one almost passenger.Our bus driver informs her that she has entered the wrong bus.The look of forlorn is unmistakable. He tells her to hurry down to Douglas the next street over, but her face shows panic and a inability to comprehend. My fellow passengers and I concur this would only confuse her. Another passenger ask if there was any way to  notify her bus. The bus driver replies "because of our new technology he can only communicate with the station". There was a time, but now it was impossible.  We drove off  wondering if she would make her way home. Home to safety and comfort.

Comfort  is something many of us take for granted. Sitting among my fellow passengers I feel humbled. I listened to their stories of hot days and long hours on the factory floor. One works for Coleman, another for Safelite, and another for Spirit.   All local manufactures in our town. It is through their toil that we become a stronger city. They talk about their work space where the heat tops 120 degrees. The man who works for Spirit as a contract labor replies 'I'm used to it and I can't complain the pay is good." The lady sitting across from me works for Coleman She readily talks with the other passengers. Another lady sitting next to me is holding a cane and a portable oxygen bottle.The other lady ask her how she is doing. She tells her about being in the hospital and taking 6 weeks off of work. She is back on her job at Safelite and thanks the other lady for being concerned.This brings up more conversation from the man that works for Spirit. We find out that he's only 40 and has had three heart attacks. I cannot help but think their working conditions have taken a toll on them.We settle into our sits waiting for our turn to depart. I hope  all find comfort at home especially my almost passenger.

Were all in for the ride

The day I meet the bus, or should I say the bus meet me. What a lucky women I am. Not only did I catch the bus practical out of my back door my work requires no bus  transfers or confusion. In fact no work zones to cross, no obstacles to climb and routes that have been averted .Yes indeed smooth sailing for me. I have my book and relaxation can be  mine.This lovely book is all I need, but instead  the book will wait on the new adventures  of my fellow passengers.

My fellow passengers are greeted from our friendly bus driver who knows many by name and treats all who step unto the bus  with dignity and respect. What a pleasure it is to have a genuine and caring  driver working for my city.

The bus driver who helps the women with her wheel chair safely board. She is followed with her son and a sweet and loving man. You could say his face is not perfect nor his intelligence what it should be, but that would not be the case.What is a perfect face? In my world it is the one who makes you smile back. It is the intelligence to know that a world without love and laughter is know world at all.That is Bob what a great guy he is. Bob was given a loving home when he had know place to go. Some how this  lady in a wheel chair had the strength to help Bob . When your heart is big even a wheel chair can't hold you back Bob lives with their family now. I don't know who is more lucky. I will just say they all are.


It has been a good ride to work and my trip has passed by quickly. As I Depart my bus I realize ever one except for me will transfer to another route. I hope they won't have to walk far in this heat. I hope their day  is good and  especial Bob.