A bus driver saved the lives of 28 children just one day before his retirement. He was awakened the next morning by a crowd screaming outside his house, and he had no idea what was in store for him. Peter, 65, thoroughly enjoyed his job as a bus driver. He’d been one for almost his entire life, enjoying the company of the little kids who rode his bus every day. He felt younger and more energetic as a result.

His record was spotless, with no accidents or mishaps during his tenure, making him a reliable driver. Mr. Clark, Peter’s boss, was concerned that he was too old to drive a school bus and that it was time for him to retire. Mr. Clark had no choice but to be firm with Peter because he couldn’t let go of the job he loved the most. He summoned Peter to his office and informed him that it was past time for him to start thinking about retirement.

“You don’t have a choice in this situation, Peter,” he stated sternly. “We don’t want to put the children who ride your bus every day in danger, so we need a replacement at this point,” Peter countered. “You know, for an elderly man like me, my job is the only thing that keeps me alive; my boys have grown up and moved out. Mr. Clark, I insist on keeping my job!”

“Why are people outside my house so early in the morning? What’s going on?” Peter wondered as he dashed downstairs and out the front door. “Think about those kids, Peter,” Mr. Clark suggested. “I didn’t want to bring it up, but didn’t you mention before that you’ve been having some health issues lately? Would you accept responsibility if something bad happened to those children?”

Peter deliberated and reluctantly agreed to Mr. Clark’s request. True, his health was failing him. He couldn’t put the children’s lives in jeopardy. A week later, Peter decided to retire. He would miss being a school bus driver, and he would miss their lovely giggles, stupid pranks, and silly smiles. Those kids were his entire world.

Peter went about his work after leaving Mr. Clark’s office and returned home to his lonely life. His wife had died years before, and his sons had moved to different states with their families. They didn’t come to see him very often, so his job was the only thing that kept him busy. But that would also be gone now. And Peter wondered what he would do if he didn’t have it. He didn’t have any particular interests. The only thing that kept him sane was his job and the joy of seeing his young riders every day.

“This will be a difficult journey,” he lamented. Unfortunately for Peter, time flew by, and his retirement date was approaching quickly. Peter was dropping off the kids at his first stop the day before his last day when he noticed a woman on the road who had fainted. He told the kids not to get off the bus and went down to assist the woman.

“Ma’am, are you all right?” Peter asked softly, tapping on her shoulder. He sprayed the woman’s face with water from his water bottle, and she quickly regained consciousness. “Oh, you’re okay now?” he inquired as the woman opened her eyes. He assisted her in sitting on a bench and asked if she needed any assistance or if he could contact someone to assist her. The woman assured him that she was fine and that everything would be fine.

Peter was on his way back to the bus when he heard screams behind him. He turned around to see the front of the bus in flames. The children were staring out the window, screaming, and the smiles on their faces had faded. “Jesus! How could that have happened?” Peter trembled in terror. “Help us!” the children cried out in unison. “I want to go home!” Peter dialed 911 with trembling hands and rushed to help the children.

The fire had already spread to the bus entrance, trapping the children at the back of the vehicle. Peter covered himself with his jacket and burst into the flaming bus, knowing he didn’t have time to waste. “Are you crazy? You’re going to die! Wait for the firefighters!” someone yelled, but Peter ignored them.
Unconcerned about his burned hand, he began to console the crying children as he rescued them.

Fortunately, firefighters arrived quickly and assisted Peter in saving all 28 students from the burning bus. The kids surrounded and hugged Peter in tears, and Peter’s eyes welled up as well. “Dear Lord, I’m glad you’re all safe,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around them, relieved that no one had been hurt. He would later learn that the fire was caused by an engine fault.

The next day, Peter awoke to loud screams coming from somewhere nearby. He slowly rose from his bed and came to a halt in front of the window. Looking out the window, he noticed a large crowd gathered on his street. “Why are all those people outside my house so early in the morning? What’s going on?” Peter wondered as he hurried downstairs and out the front door.

He noticed the entire school where he worked gathered there — students, teachers, parents, and even his boss. “What’s the matter? What – what are you doing here?” Peter approached them. Mr. Clark began clapping, and everyone else followed suit. “You were a hero, Peter! You saved those young children’s lives, and we had to do something special to say thank you!”

“You can keep your job,” he continued, “because even younger drivers would have shuddered to get into a burning bus, but you didn’t.” We appreciate it, and we are here to thank you. What are your thoughts on keeping your job? “Peter didn’t expect this. He couldn’t believe it when he was offered the job again on his retirement day. You’d think he’d jump at the chance, but he didn’t…”Oh, well….thank you for coming, everyone,” he said.

“But I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it again.” I mean, I’m turning down the offer. “Tell me you’re joking, Peter! I refuse to work as a bus driver from now on.” Mr. Clark was stunned. Come on! You enjoy your work. What has changed? “I thought you’d be overjoyed with the offer,” Peter said, his eyes welling up with tears. “Well, I’d love to have my job back.” It’s fantastic. It’s all there.

“However,” he paused, “after saving those children yesterday, I realized how much I enjoy my job because of them.” I would despise myself if my job put them in danger. Indeed, I’m not in the best of my health. Thank you very much. However, I am retiring gracefully today. “I had a great time serving you all.”