Starting school is a big deal, especially for little ones.
For many kids, it’s a mix of excitement and nerves.
Some can’t wait for the fun and friends, while others might wish to stay home, maybe watching their favorite shows or playing games.
Axel, a young boy from Wisconsin, was one of those kids feeling mixed emotions.
On his first day, his mom, Amy Johnson, walked him to the school bus.
At first, Axel seemed okay. But as they got closer to the bus, he became more and more nervous.
Amy shared:
“He was super excited to go, but when the bus came around the corner he was really quiet. The bus opened the door and I looked at him and he started crying.”
Wanting to remember this big day, Amy tried to take a picture of Axel on the bus.
But Axel was having a tough time. He held onto his mom, not ready to let go.
That’s when the bus driver, Isabel Lane, stepped in.
She saw Axel’s tears and reached out her hand, telling him:
“Buddy, you got this and will have so much fun.”
Amy tried to leave so the bus could get going. But Axel kept reaching for her.
Isabel, wanting to help, said, “I stuck my hand behind the seat as maybe something else to grab onto and he grabbed my hand.”
As Amy stepped off the bus, she took a quick photo.
It showed Axel holding Isabel’s hand, finding some comfort in her kindness.
This touching photo didn’t just stay in the family album.
The Augusta Police Department saw it and shared it on Facebook.
People from all over saw the picture and loved it.
Isabel said:
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal personally. It was just something I felt I should do. If you see someone struggling, just reach out a hand. You don’t have to say anything. But it can make a big difference in someone’s day.”
During the bus ride, Isabel and Axel talked.
By the end of the ride, Axel had stopped crying.
Isabel cares a lot about her job and the kids she drives.
She said:
“A big win for me is every morning I tell the kids as they get off to make it a good day and when I have a kid who I know doesn’t like to go to school say, ‘Yeah, I’ll try.’ It makes me feel good because they heard me and I hope it makes them feel like they can be heard.”
Now, Axel’s school days are much better.
His mom said he gets on the bus happily and “loves school.”
This story shows how a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
Whether it’s a bus driver, a teacher, or a friend, a little care can turn a tough day into a great one.
Watch Isabel and Alex in the video below and see how deeply she cares for her kiddos. What a wonderful bus driver!
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