Today our four year old boy, who we love dearly, rode the school bus for the first time. The short school bus. The short bus.
Four years ago (before Noah was born) I would have never imagined that we would one day have a child that would literally ride the “short bus.” But the truth is, you never know what curve balls life is going to throw you. All you can do is trust that God is writing a way better story for your life than you ever could, and live life to the fullest.
Every. Single. Day.
That’s what we try to do in the Smith house!
Noah started school at our local PPCD program (preschool program for children with disabilities) today, which involves him taking the bus to and from the elementary school. It was surreal putting our little boy on the school bus today. You have to have a lot of trust to put your child on a bus with someone you don’t know, but that’s another post for another day.
Riding the school bus is part of the experience. It teaches Noah independence. It helps him connect with other kids. And is super fun for him. But this isn’t any school bus…it’s the “short bus.”I knew he would be riding the short bus when he started to school for some time, but I have to admit I had an odd feeling in my stomach when I actually saw the short bus waiting for him. It wasn’t necessary a bad feeling, just an odd one.
I think about all of the jokes people make about “the short bus” and how that phrase has an entirely new meaning for me now. (I also have a whole new understanding of the “R-Word.”) I don’t want anyone to ever people to say things that will my hurt my little boy, but it’s going to happen one day, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Today, we aren’t thinking about the hurtful things that people may say to him sometime in his future. Or bullies. Or meanies. Or whatever. Today we’re thinking about how our son rode the short bus…and loved it! Take a look at the video above and check out these pictures. He had a blast, and I had a ton of joy watching him have a blast!
This little boy has hit a ton of milestones, and today was another huge one. I was so proud today to see him be so independent as he rode the bus to and from school. He did so well on the bus, and is really going to enjoy it riding it this year.
I love this little boy more than words can say, and I am so proud to be his daddy! By the way, we met Noah after school today before he boarded the bus just so he wouldn’t be scared (he would have been fine even if we didn’t show up….he loved the bus) and I loved how he ran out to give me a hug as soon as school was over. Be sure to watch the end of the video I posted above to see for yourself!
Yelp, we have a little boy that rides the short bus…and it’s all good!
Here’s to a great school year!
(And here’s to helping him learn how to use a locker!) 🙂
If your child started school this week, how did it go? Be sure to post your back to school pictures in the comments below!
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Rick, I've been working with kids with DS since 1996. I can't even remember what other size buses come in. We only get the small buses at our school because our students are all 5 years old or under. You truly are super parents to be so involved in your sons therapies and school. The fact that he hasn't been on a bus until now says a lot. I've taken children under the age of two off a bus. Kids whose parent's I've never even met! They simply put their kids on a bus and assume that there is someone at the other end who will get them off the bus, take care of them for the day, and return them home safely. I don't know if that's trust or lack of responsibility. It's amazing to see the love and care you display for Noah! He appears to be an engaging young man with a ton of potential to do whatever he sets his heart on in the future.
Shae's first day of 4th grade...she rides the "short bus" too. And loves it as much as Noah does.
Shae is adorable and I love her top, skirt and of course her boots! Shae I wish you a wonderful 4th grade year! May you achieve all the things you can achieve. . .for you are awesomely made by a mighty God!!
Love it. Sounds super fun. Seth did the same thing for preschool. Today, I got to walk him and his big sister to class. He's going into 1st grade. He had a great day. So proud of both of them.
Another one.
So adorable!! We miss you guys. :)
I remember Melissa's first day when she started on her 3rd birthday. I gave the short bus a 20 minute lead and then drove to the school and hid in the parking lot out of sight waiting for her bus to arrive. After they took her into the school, I went and spoke with the bus driver to see how it went. She loved it also. She's 21 now and just started her last year of public school. She's in an adult transition program that that is administered by the High School but meets on the local college campus. Using public transportation back and forth is strongly encouraged as a part of being independent so she rode her first paratransit bus today. She felt very grown up. (The nice thing is that Plano ISD pays for it. )
Hi Noah an family !
I am so excited and tearful seeing Noah go off on his first bus ride,
keep up the great work Noah and I hope your looking after your little brother.
and you 2 boys have the best mum and dad in the world!
All the best for the future Smith family !
take care Diane .......from Australia
Congratulations! Reading your post made me so happy. I have learned something today about short bus. My little girl is 16 months and I bee following Noah since she was born. I do have those odd feelings like can't wait for her to do the same and I don't want her to grow. Thanks so much for all your post. Here is Janella
This is great to see Noah at this age and having a blast.
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It was very nice to see how you guys care about Noah, and how worried you guys were. I can tell all the love in your family.
Can you write PLEASE about the education system over there? what are the options? I dont have idea and we live in Argentina (Buenos Aires) but when Vincent is 5 or 6 we are thinking in moving to America (to a place that gives Vincent the possibility to be integrated in the school).
Vincent next year is going to start Kindergarten, now he is in pre-K, and the next year he is going to have an assistant that would integrate him in the classroom by helping him understanding the teacher or trying other ways so he can understand the content of the class. Well here a picture of Vincent when he started pre-k in March :D
Our son LOVED riding the short bus. He said "We don't have holes in the seats AND WE HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING!
Hi, we are from Israel. Our son Matan is also riding a taxi to another city to a special kindergarten for children with disabilities. Matan is 2 and half years.
But in Israel we start school on the 1st of September.
We wish Noah a lot of success and joy at school...... Love you all...