As a teenager, I worked at a concrete statuary in my hometown of Algona after school. My boss was Dennis Meyer, who now owns and operates a statuary here in central Iowa called Created in Johnston and is a close friend.
On my way to work one day, while running late, I passed a school bus that was slowing down for a stop. The school bus driver finished his route and then stopped by the statuary to talk with Dennis’ father and business partner, Amos, who, as I learned later, had also driven a school bus at one point in his life. The conversation we soon had was not pleasant, but it was a life-changer for me. Amos made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that I would no longer be employed there if he ever heard of me passing a school bus again. I tried to awkwardly explain that the bus had not stopped yet, but that didn’t matter. The conversation was stern and short.
After Amos left, Dennis softened the blow a bit, but he was also firm in his delivery. He told me he didn’t expect me to ever be late and that I should plan my time better. But if I am running late, he said, don’t ever pass a school bus that is slowing down or stopped. Ever.
I don’t know who that school bus driver was, but I appreciate how he handled the situation. He could have reported me to the police. He could have called my parents. He could have personally chewed me out. But he knew that the wrath of the Meyers would be penalty enough. And it was.
I grew up in town, so I didn’t ride the school bus. As a result, I didn’t understand the issues and hazards bus drivers had to deal with then or today. Now, as a father of three daughters who all rode the bus, I know what kind of an impact a driver can have on an anxious and apprehensive youngster. My adult children still speak fondly of their bus drivers.
I shared this memory with Dennis in recent years, and he offered his trademark ear-to-ear smile and said, “I hope you learned something.” I did. Ever since that day as a teenager, when I see a school bus, I slow down way sooner than I need to, and I stop and patiently wait, offering a friendly wave and a smile to the driver and the kids.
Driving a school bus is not easy work, and drivers are getting more and more difficult to find. The last thing they need are impatient drivers of any age zipping by them. The Meyers — the concrete statuary owners — made that clear. It is cemented in my brain now.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
