skip to main content

Home Decorating Conversations

Uplifting story

last year

I love this WAPO story (with no NYT today, leaning heavily on WAPO and NPR).

A bus driver helped a child read. Now he tutors kids for free between routes.

“All these kids were going to the teacher asking, ‘Can I read with Mr. Herman?’” said Herman Cruse

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/12/07/bus-driver-reading-herman-cruse/

Featured Answer

Bestyears

last year

Such a great story -thank you for sharing.

I taught for awhile, and one of the least rewarding parts of the day was bus duty, when teachers had to walk students to a particular bus and supervise loading them on until all grades were done. Everybody is tired and cranky, and well you know.... Anyway, it was stunning to see the difference in the way one bus driver vs another managed their bus. There were some where the kids were going absolutely batshit crazy, jumping over seats, screaming at the tops of their lungs, throwing things, hitting each other. And then other buses where all the kids were sitting chatting nicely with their friends, etc. It all came down to the busdriver -the good ones had made time to develop relationships with the kids, celebrated their accomplishments, hugged them through tears and fears, handed out lollipops now and then, etc.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (20)

Allison0704
last year
What a sweet story. Love this. Thanks for sharing.
maddielee
last year
Like. I wish there was a Like button on thread starters. Or better, a Love button for articles like this one.
Related Discussions
One more storm story
Q
Comments (8)
This story sent chills up my spine. These folks have reaped their reward for their devotion to animals...so touching. And you told it well. josh
...See More
I'm totally blown away by people's generosity (longish story)
Q
Comments (30)
Thank you for this story, that lifts one's spirit in these difficult times, Nicole. And thank you for your kindness to the lady. Does she have an easy chair? I think that I have one here ... and a chesterfield, but I can't put that into my car. Does she have some skills that she can use? Though many are helpful ... would that more people in our society were so willing to help others when they are in need. Good wishes to you and Claude and your young ones ... and to the lady and her young ones, as well. Please let her know of the good wishes expressed for her, by several persons, here. ole joyful
...See More
Book of the Week
Q
Comments (3)
Thank you for this recommendation. I just reserved it at my library. I am always so grateful for a book recommendation.
...See More
A book: difficult for me
Q
Comments (31)
I haven't read "Lilac Girls". I cannot read several 'dark' books one after the other without reaching a state of mourning. I will read one such book at a time, to be reminded that the 'dark' exists within individuals and groups. I too recently read my allotted 'dark' book, "The Lie" by Helen Dunmore. There are no horrifying 'experiments', other than the large scale waste of trench warfare in WWI. This focuses on one temporary survivor, a sensitive young man eventually driven to his death by the suspicious, grasping lower class into which he was born. There was 'darkness' in the first book I ever read by myself. It was my mother's copy of "Black Beauty", written with words in syllables for the young reader. I cried over the thoughtless cruelty. It's a good sign to be upset by reading about 'inhuman' actions.
...See More
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
Thank you.
teeda
last year
School bus drivers are unsung, underpaid heroes. Thanks for sharing this.
DLM2000-GW
last year
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
chinacatpeekin
last year
Wonderful story; I just shared it with my DD, who began her teaching career this fall as an assistant kindergarten teacher!
LynnNM
last year
Ohhhhh, what a wonderful human being! Thanks for sharing it with us here, Mtn, it made my day!
bpath
last year
I love this. When my coworker retired 30 years ago, she became a reading buddy at the local school, too. Sounds ideal to me!
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
last year
Wonderful story, thank you.
Bluebell66
last year
Very sweet. Yes, where is the like button for thread starters??!
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Bluebell66
bbstx
last year
I’m not crying. How precious. The impact his kindness is having on those children is incalculable.
Irish2
last year
Great story! Wonderful man ❤️
Arapaho-Rd
last year
Tears for me too. It would be a privilege to know Mr. Herman - he is reminder of the good in the world. The photos were precious!
OutsidePlaying
last year
Nice to hear good stories about truly caring human beings these days. We need more Mr Hermans.
amykath
last year
What a great story! Thanks for sharing!
jsk
last year
“What started out as a way to kill time has now blossomed into a way to make a difference in the heart of a child.”

What a beautiful person he is.

As the mother of a 3rd grade teacher who specializes in reading, this story warms my heart.
petalique
last year
Thanks for sharing with us, mtn. I’m sending this along to a friend who set up a remedial reading program with elementary school children.
nicole___
last year
There are still people who care! Wonderful story!
orchidrain
last year
Great story. I'm sure those children will remember the time he spent with them and his caring approach.

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Tell a Story With Design for a More Meaningful Home

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Go beyond a home's bones to find the narrative at its heart, for a more rewarding experience

HISTORIC HOMES See the House Where Martin Luther King Jr.’s Pivotal Story Began

The Atlanta home in which the civil rights leader was born 90 years ago celebrates his legacy

COLORS OF THE YEAR Pantone Picks an Uplifting Combo for Its Color of the Year 2021

By Jennifer Ott Design

Hello, yellow! Good day, gray! See how to use the two colors predicted to be both hot and cool in the coming year

REMODELING GUIDES Room of the Day: Storage Attic Now an Uplifting Master Suite

By Mitchell Parker

Tired of sharing a bathroom with their 2 teenage kids, this couple moves on up to a former attic space

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Before and After: 4 Uplifting Blue, White and Wood Kitchens

Chase away cooking space doldrums with shades of ocean and sky paired with classic colors

DECORATING GUIDES Mood Makers: Make Your Home Inspiring

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Inspiration freshens our minds and uplifts our spirits. See how to style your rooms to be a wonderful source of it in your home

FUN HOUZZ Guessing Game: What Might Our Living Rooms Say About Us?

By Samantha Schoech

Take a shot on your own or go straight to just-for-fun speculations about whose homes these could be

KITCHEN DESIGN New This Week: 3 Handsome Wood-and-White Kitchens

By Mitchell Parker

Wood brings warmth to kitchens in colder regions, while white walls and countertops keep things bright

ROOTS OF STYLE Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts: What’s the Difference?

By Laura Gaskill

If the zigzag and swirly designs of the past leave your head spinning, these descriptions will straighten you right out

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD World of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read

Bibliophiles across the globe reveal their top books and favorite reading spots, from a 2-story library to an artfully curated book nook

Sponsored

More Discussions

Healthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 4/21/2024

16

Sneak peek - paint

37

Assisted suicide wisdom

23

Does the perfect purse/tote exist?

55

OMG - fabric fiasco

15