Remembering a day nearly 15 years ago, (perhaps in December, not sure) when something happened on my bus run that lingers still...There were just about 15-20 kids on my Big Yellow Bus as we went merrily up Watkins Branch, near Grundy, Va.... & as was my custom, I was belting out some songs & since we had seen a giant Frosty the Snowman inflatable, that was my song of choice: Thumpity Thump! Thump!..Thumity Thump! Thump! Look at Frosty Go!...
And then I sang: Going up Cripple Creek! Going in a run! Going up Cripple Creek to have some fun!...
Fun switched to reality in a heartbeat, when we rounded a curve, less than a mile up Watkins Branch, & there was the lady that brought her four-year old daughter down the steep driveway in her car to meet my Big Yellow Bus...
This particular morning, my heart leaped to my throat as I saw Stephanie Baker standing in the creek waving her arms desperately & as I slid back the driver's side glass, I could hear her screaming..."HELP! SAVE MY BABIES!"
Her car had flipped off about a 10 foot retaining wall on its top, into the icy water of Watkins Branch & she was standing in the water, obviously in shock, but unable to reach her baby in the car seat in back...Knowing I was breaking protocol & since radios had not been installed at that time (But were later that year due to this & a similar incident)...So, threatening my kids within an inch of their life, to 'Stay on the Bus', I sent the oldest to 'Call for Help' (No houses in Sight)...
I then left the bus & went to the other side of the bridge & down into the creek, through a briar patch, no rabbit could have gotten through & arrived in the creek bed, ready to lift the car if necessary (At least in my mind)... & all this time, Stephanie was screaming, "Save my Babies!" Save my Babies!'...
Only later did I determine there was just one baby, 6-month old Amber, who was upside down in her car seat & I determined, that if she slipped out of her car seat, she could very possibly drown & the only way I could possibly reach her, was to 'Lie down in the icy water' which I did...
Only then, was I able to see a smiling Amber, looking down at me, like it was a game we were playing...Knowing I had to act quickly, I fumbled with the car seat release, knowing I was just going to have 'One' chance...I had to release the button & catch her when she slipped free, which I was able to do...
NO! I COULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT! AN ANGEL MUST HAVE TAKEN OVER MY BODY!...
(I have never been so scared & cold in my life...It was like two lives were hanging in the balance: Mine and the baby's...After pushing the Release Button, Me & The Angel caught Amber with 'One Hand', but there was another Unseen Hand somewhere...Had to Be!
Quickly, I handed Amber to her Mommy, who was completely overjoyed, but shivering uncontrollably , as was I...
Looking up in the road, I saw 'ALL' of my kids standing in the road looking Big-Eyed and clapping...& I sent one up the hill to get Stephanie's shoes, that she said were on her porch....(Stephanie's had lost her shoes and was barefoot)....
& Suddenly I saw a Rescue Squad vehicle arrive on the scene...What a welcome sight! For Stephanie and Amber needed at the very least: Warm Shelter!...(So thankful that was all they needed!)
Four-year old Sienna went on to school on the bus with me, as I left Stephanie & her precious Amber in the warm & toasty Rescue Squad vehicle....
Sobbing & Crying (Tears of Joy!) I made my way on to Riverview, with no more passengers as the others had long since given up on my coming....
Teeth chattering, almost in shock, Heater & Defroster at Max Hi ...unable to sing, unable to get warm...
For many days! lol....Except In MY HEART!...
As my kids departed the bus, nearly all wanted a hug or a touch & I sensed a new feeling of appreciation...I could only imagine what story they told their teachers and classmates...And parents when they got back home.
(Don't consider myself a hero at all. Just glad God had me there at the exact time help was needed, for if not me...Then Who?)
