Sometimes we only hear about what kids are doing wrong. But today, I needed to hear about what they’re doing right.

A school bus driver recently shared a story that left me smiling with hope.

She drives a group of middle schoolers each morning, and one 6th grader often talked about his elderly neighbor — how she hadn’t left her house in weeks. The driver gently explained that sometimes, for older folks, even basic things like getting outside or running errands can be difficult.

The very next morning, she noticed something unusual. The boy wasn’t at the bus stop. She glanced around—and there he was, shoveling the snow off his neighbor’s porch.

She was early, so she waited for him.

When the other students asked why, she simply said, “Anyone helping someone deserves a few extra minutes.”

That small act did something big.

The next day, seven kids got on the bus with blankets, food, and handmade cards. They asked if the driver could deliver them to the woman. She did.

And now, every single morning, the woman stands on her porch waving to the bus, and the whole busload of kids waves back.

One small act of kindness from a boy with a shovel started something beautiful.

He didn’t do it for praise.
He didn’t do it for attention.
He just saw someone in need—and showed up.

And in doing so, he became a quiet leader, inspiring the other children to see beyond themselves, to recognize the power of kindness, and to act on it.

The driver ended her story like this:

“I smile with pride in my heart because of the extraordinary children I have on my bus.”

So today, if you needed a reminder — goodness is still out there. Sometimes, it’s just waiting at a bus stop with a shovel and a heart full of compassion. 🚌❄️💛