My Plans Changed, I'm Pregnant, No Big Deal

I'm sure she has no idea what she's lost. Sadly it will become painfully clear in the next few years exactly what this slight indiscretion will cost her.

My job brings me in contact with a number of people. I develop miniature relationships as I see the same people repeatedly through the week. We only manage 1-2 minutes of conversation per meeting before I must move on to my next destination. I'm a driver, I deliver mentally and physically challenged people in a small bus. Their caregivers, a dedicated group of people, provide the family structure in my passengers lives. Taking care of the day to day tasks that we take for granted. It's not a glamorous occupation, though it's a very necessary one. My passengers couldn't live as independently as they do without the help provide by their staff.

Over the past couple years I've gotten to know this one particular young lady. She stands out for a number of reasons. Her friendly outgoing personality and the way she relates to the older people she is responsible for immediately tells you she's good at her job. How often do you find a young person who is comfortable and confident enough to carry on and even initiate meaningful conversation with someone at least 30 years their senior. Especially when a simple smile or nod to acknowledge receipt of the people being dropped off is more the normal reaction I receive from other similar aged care givers.

We only cross paths about once every two weeks. Over the past year she has told me about her plans after finishing college. She had her sights set on Scottsdale Arizona. We never got into details, as how long does it take for three passengers to step off the bus. Bits and pieces combined with her friendly smile and a cheery "Hi, How are You" or Have a Good Weekend" was the usual exchange.