Dear Phyllis,
I am not sure you will remember me, but my name is Kathy Gorecki. You were my children’s school bus driver for many years. My reason for writing to you is to tell you how you have changed and influenced my life, how you have come to be my hero and my inspiration.

I started working for Mannheim District 83 [in Franklin Park, Ill.] at the start of the 1997-98 school year, when my three children were in grades 2, 4 and 7. The district bounced me around to various buildings and positions over my years. I greeted every position with a positive attitude and considered it to be to my advantage to have the opportunity to learn a variety of jobs.

At the end of the 2002-03 school year, I was notified that my next school year was going to be at Enger School and that I would have to obtain my CDL to drive a school bus. My initial reaction was horror. I recall hanging up the phone and kicking every blade of grass in the yard as I cussed and cried out, “I do not want to drive a bus!” But I didn’t have a choice. It was either get a CDL or jeopardize my job.

I had all weekend to digest this bit of news. Something changed inside my heart while I had time to think. The next week I went in and picked up my training manuals and asked, “Do I only have to do the little bus or can I be trained for the big bus?” Although I was kicking and screaming four days earlier at the thought of driving a small bus, I was now requesting to drive the 40-footers.

They said yes. I studied passionately and passed my CDL tests with flying colors. By mid-October I was fully licensed and ready to go out on my own for sub-coverage. I worked at Enger for two school years, but in my heart, I belonged to transportation. It was no secret to anyone how much I loved, and needed, to drive the big yellow school bus. However, I still could not explain why I had such a change of heart and why I needed to do this.

But it all goes back to my youngest son, Jason, while he was in the second grade. It all goes back to you. Let me explain. . .

One morning while Jason was at the bus stop, a boy named Tommy maliciously shoved him into the road — directly into the path of your oncoming bus. You stopped just a few feet short of my son. The next day, I re-arranged my work schedule so I could meet you at the bus stop, plus have a word with Tommy.

I remember thanking you profusely for being such a wonderful and attentive driver and for saving my son’s life. As I hugged you, I cried. I owed my son’s life to you. There were no words to express my gratitude. You were my hero. I realized the importance of what it means to be a school bus driver.

I dedicate my new career to you. I promise to do my best every day with all that I have within me. Again, I owe it all to you. You have changed my life, and I wanted you to know this. Thank you.

Kathy Gorecki is a bus driver at Leyden High School District 212 in Franklin Park, Ill., and is studying to become a transportation supervisor. Her hero, Phyllis, is enjoying her retirement and living in Mesa, Ariz.