About a week before school started, we found out that the girls got in to the school with a Spanish Immersion Program that is close to our house. They were a little apprehensive about a new school, and not knowing anyone, but I reminded them several times that their new school had 2 recesses instead of 1 recess. (I still speak the language of 'The Elementary School Student.')
So there are a lot of things that I really like about our new school, but I have to tell you about one of my favorites.
The Crossing Guard Lady. I actually do know her name, but for the sake of anonymity, I will just refer to her as "The Crossing Guard Lady."
On the first day that we walked into school I noted that she was slightly dramatic in the way that she stopped traffic for kids who were crossing the street. She held her stop sign way up and stretched out her arms and took a very broad protective stance. I smiled at her and she greeted the kids as they were crossing.
The girls did okay on their first couple days of school. They reported some typical "new kid" issues. They felt lost on the playground. They didn't know what to do with themselves during recess. They wished for friends. I knew the first days would be a little hard, but it didn't make it any less painful for them, or for me.
On about the third day of school, we parked in our usual place across the street from the school, and we started walking toward the crosswalk. As we were walking, on the other side of the street a car came zipping down the road. The Crossing Guard Lady went crazy. "SLOOOWW DOOOOWWNN!!" She was yelling and wildly waving her arms. Her stop sign was flapping up and down like a giant wing, as she tried to get the attention of Mr. Speedy McSpeedster in the School Zone. The driver saw her and immediately slowed to almost a stop.
The Crossing Guard Lady got a big smile on her face. Then, she gave the driver a thumbs up sign and waved her on. It was a simple gesture but I could almost hear the inner dialogue that went with her thumbs up. "Yes, that is how we drive in the school zone. I know you'll remember for next time."
By that time we had reached the crosswalk and The Crossing Guard Lady held her stop sign up, and dramatically stepped out into the street. "Okay Folks, It's safe to cross now! Have a good day!" Then she made eye contact with me. "And, yes," she said pleasantly. "I DO yell at cars because your babies are my babies."
At that moment those were such beautiful words to my mama heart. That's what I want. I want someone who is going to care deeply for my kids when I can't be there. As her words sank into my heart I felt a lump in my throat. At that moment she was my favorite person in the whole world.
After I took the girls to their classrooms I stopped to thank The Crossing Guard Lady for her strong work. As we started to talk a little tiny girl called her name. She turned and the girl ran to her for a hug. They hugged and then The Crossing Guard Lady looked at her watch. "Guess what honey? You are ALMOST on time. If you run real quick, you might make it to class without a Tardy Slip." The little girl smiled and started running toward the school building. I watched and said, "That's how we roll sometimes. ALMOST on time." The Crossing Guard Lady looked at me and smiled. "I'm just glad that she's here." No judgement. Just grace.
As I reflected later about the morning, I was struck by her simple act of grace as she offered a smile to the reformed school zone speeder.
When I am in positions of authority, and I have a policing role, I am much more likely to offer an extended stink eye for good measure. But the reassuring smile and the thumbs up was so gracious.
I want to start being more like the Crossing Guard Lady. I want to put my heart fully into the work in front of me, and I want to generously offer grace in the places I am tempted to judge.
And I want to treat your babies as if they are my babies.
I hope your school has a Crossing Guard Lady who is even half as sweet and beautiful as our Crossing Guard Lady.
