I’m a Bus Rider

A few weeks ago, three little girls moved into the house across the street from us.  One of the girls is in Kindergarten just like Megan.  They have become fast friends. 
Well, this little girl is a bus rider, so Meg asked if she could ride the bus too.  I hated to say yes, but couldn’t say no.  She was so excited about the thought of riding the bus that she was thrilled at just the thought.  So, as my heart was breaking into a million pieces, I told her I would talk to her teacher and that she could start riding the bus. 
Last Thursday was the “BIG” day.  I dropped her off at school and asked her again if she was sure she wanted to ride the bus.  She answered with a very enthusiastic YES. 
As the afternoon went on, I was anxious and nervous and excited all at the same time.  I knew she would be fine.  Her friend has an older sister and I knew that Meg would be taken care of.  Still, I was sadden a little by the fact that this is just more proof that my baby girl is growing up whether I am ready or not. 
Of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see her as she climbed off the bus.  This being the first time, I was armed with my camera and ready to capture this milestone. 
Secretly, I was hoping that she was going to have a bad experience and would want me to pick her up like before.   Don’t get me wrong, I never want Megan to be sad or have bad experiences, but I loved picking her up every day from school.
Of course, she had a great experience and immediately told me that she wanted to be a permanent bus rider. 
So, my little girl isn’t so little any more.  She’s happy to be a bus rider and understands that there will be days that she will have to be picked up, but she’s ok with that. 
Monday, her third day riding the bus, we had a little problem.  The other girls that get off at her stop weren’t on the bus.  It was cold and rainy, so I was waiting outside for her with an umbrella.  As I heard the bus approach, my heart fluttered.  I was so excited that Megan was home. 
Imagine my disbelief when the driver slows down, starts to raise his stop sign, then speeds off again.  My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach.  I jumped in my car and chased the bus down. 
Thankfully, there was a little girl on the bus that noticed that Megan had missed her stop and told the bus driver.  He had already turned around and was dropping her off by the time I caught back up with them. 
Meg was so upset, partially because I had closed the garage, so it looked like I wasn’t home and because it had scared her a little. 
Meg is a strong willed girl and didn’t let this little incident bother her at all.  She still wants to be a permanent bus rider.