LIKE MY OWN JM

LIKE MY OWN JM

(By Maryjane)

Here's one I love to remember and love to talk about. It's about a little guy; and spunk that wouldn't quit. And of course all the things that go into brightening up the dullest day. And of making life worth living.

This little boy had a lot of medical problems. For someone so small, he had his share of things I can no longer remember, with terms so big I couldn't begin to say, let alone spell. He defied medical, by living when the doctors said he shouldn't and couldn't live past the age of 2 possibly 3 years old.

He was with one of the first groups of kids I drove, when I first started driving. My little school bus and my special kids, I was more excited then the kids. I sat up the rules and I let them know what was expected of them and the rewards if they were good listeners. Well it worked and they listened. They were well behaved and they earned their rewards as well as the treats I gave to them.

JM stands out the most because he was out a lot. Everytime it was because he was rushed to the hospital with one problem or another. One day when I arrived at the school I saw his teacher and some others talking and tears were flowing. I asked and found out that they didn't think he would make it through the weekend. My heart sank and all I could think about at that moment was the things that made him happy on my little school bus. Like trying to sing, his smiles when I turned to look at him, his hugs when he got on or off the bus, and his mellow voice saying bye M.J. see you tomorrow!

I went to the Bus Co. with what I had just learned. I filled them in on what could happen and needed to know what I was to do if something happened while he was on the bus. Well what they said to me I found kind of cold, but I understood. I would have to take him to the police station. Well all I can say is I thank God for not letting that happen on my bus. I think He knew I wouldn't have been able to handle it. So He let me continue to see him alive although at times not very healthy.

J M spent most of his life in and out of hospitals. His mother refused to believe he would leave her and she took very good care of him. I had stopped driving him after some 3 or 4 years and lost contact with the family. Then one day while reading the paper, there before me was his name. It seemed to light up like a neon sign. He was 10 years old and had left us. I'm sure he is one of Gods little Angels.

I still think about him and the things that made him happy. Holding an 8-track tape, looking for that morning hug, or morning smile. I will always remember you. God loves you my little friend and so do I�