From the book “fifty things that really matter to Latter-day Saints”
It was a typical spring afternoon; I was driving the same school bus route I had driven all year. It was a warm day, and I was anxious to get my students home so I could put my feet up and relax.
I was driving through a long stretch of flat open roadway, enjoying the view, when I noticed a brown duck coming out of the grass an the opposite side of the two-land highway. I quickly remembered that if you see a brown duck in springtime, she usually has little ducklings following close behind. Sure enough, there were two little webbed feet waddling beneath her outstretched wing.
Looking to the other side of the road I noticed several other ducklings waiting patiently. I could also see several cars coming towards them, with a red sports car leading the pack. I knew they would never see the mother duck and her and ducklings until it was too late.
I had only a split second to help her. My motherly instincts took over. I brought my school bus to an abrupt halt—and on went every light my school bus had to offer—flashing amber lights, flashing red lights, blinking hazard light, and that big beautiful stop paddle. Just like magic every car came to an immediate stop.
The students on bus could not see what was taking place and were sure I had lost my mind stopping in the middle of nowhere. The drivers who had stopped so abruptly were also not aware of the unfolding situation. I could see the look on the face of the driver in the red sports car and he wasn’t happy.
But then, mother duck and her ducklings, who had joined her in the middle of the road, came into full view of everyone. The drivers’ frustrated looks turned to pleasant smiles, and a choir like “aaahhhh” came from the kids on my bus. For a few short minutes we were all focused on the wonders of this brave mother and her ducklings. They waddled off the road together, unaware of the events that had just transpired.
As my lights went off and my stop paddle came in, no one seemed to be in as big a hurry as they had been just minutes before.I hope that they took time to notice more of the little things in life—like a little family of ducks. ~ By Jan Bean (From the book “Fifty Things that Really Matter to Latter-day Saints” p.55-57 (Leatherwood Press books are available exclusively through Deseret Book Distributors. For details write or telephone Deseret Book Distributors, 40 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 534-1515 or phone 801-534-1515)
