Bus Stop Blessings
Barb Neuendorf provides the loving, watchful eye that every elementary school student needs.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we take a step back from our busy lives to reflect on those who support and bless us. As I make a list of family, friends and neighbors who have enriched my life, one person who rarely gets recognized comes to mind.
Barb Neuendorf, age 82, has been a neighbor of mine for as long as I have lived in La Porte City, Iowa. She has lived here for about 40 years, and for more than 30 of those years she ran an in-home child care business, retiring about 10 years ago. However, the Locust Street bus stop for Union Elementary School remains in front of Barb’s house, where it has been for years.
I have been doing registered in-home child care now for more than 10 years. My school-aged children, along with the children from three other day cares, also use Barb’s bus stop. All of my day care children, past and present, know Barb affectionately as “The Bus Lady.”
As I watch my day care children cross the street and walk over to the bus stop, most mornings I see Barb watching them from her end of the block. She keeps an eye on them to ensure things go smoothly and no mischief takes place. She gives reminders to those who need them. These reminders are appreciated since, as a day care provider, it is impossible for me to be two places at once. Barb also will stop over and tell me if things need to be addressed or worked on with anyone at the bus stop to avoid problems in the future. This really helps for accountability, since the kids are aware that someone has eyes on them the majority of the time.
Barb invests her time in the lives of the young people at her bus stop even though she certainly does not have to; she could just as easily stay inside and stay warm on a cold morning. However, you will see her outside with a good attitude, ready to have positive conversations and offer encouragement, a high-five, a hug or friendly advice to our neighborhood kids.
Barb lives by the principle
“see the need, meet the need” and does so without hesitation. If the temperature is very low or it is raining, she will let the kids come into her enclosed porch to shield them from the weather until the bus arrives.
Her actions show our youngsters that they are important, valued and treasured.
I have heard it said that as adults we should “be who you needed when you were younger.” With that in mind, I would like to formally thank Barb Neuendorf for being who she is. She is a person who invests in our little people, their lives and futures, every day. Never underestimate the power of a seed you have planted, Barb. You are changing tiny hearts in big ways, and for that I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly appreciated!