This story is about a very wise man, Jack Morgan.

I attended Cameron High back in the early 70's and Jack was my bus driver for a couple of years. One of those years, a new boy, several years younger than myself, moved to Cameron and rode my bus.  He was an extremely nervous and timid boy, never making eye contact with anyone and always sought out an empty seat.  I wondered what had happened in his young life to make him so distrusting of people. I believe his name was Raymond.

One day, two other boys, a couple of years older than Raymond, started making fun of him.  I immediately stepped in and told them that Raymond had done nothing and to leave him alone.  I noticed Jack's eyes in the huge rear view mirror of the bus, obviously watching this scene play out. Puzzled that he didn't step in, I continued to take up for Raymond.

The next couple of days, I decided to sit by Raymond in hopes that it would help stop the endless torture the two boys were inflicting on little Raymond.  Raymond was so timid, he hugged the side of the bus next to the window when I sat down next to him. I never did fully convince him, although I tried, that I was his friend and was trying to help.  The two boys did stop for a couple of days.   

Then they started in again. All the while, I would see the reflection of Jack's eyes observing in the rear view mirror.  Yet he did nothing. I finally stood up and yelled..yes, actually yelled, "Shut Up!" "Raymond has done nothing and you two need to shut your mouths!"

I sat back down. Jack's eyes were still observing. Yet, still, he did nothing.  I was the last one off the bus.  That day, I mustered up enough courage to confront Jack as I got off the bus.  When I asked him why he did nothing, he responded by saying, " I didn't have to. You had everything under control.  Sometimes correction comes better from  a peer".  I stomped off the bus, very angry with Jack.

I discussed the whole situation with my Mother.  She took up for Jack and said to wait and see what happens. The two boys never again, made fun of Raymond, at least not when I was around.

Now lets skip forward in time.  I raised three kids of my own.  Many times, I would observe a conflict going on between one of my kids and their playmates.  Sometimes I would think back to that time on the bus with Jack. During those times, I would just quietly and discretely observe my child and their friends.  And low and behold, most of the time, the kids would work things out without my intervention.  What great lessons my little ones learned by me withholding my authoriy.  Compromise...  Standing up for what is right....  Abiltiy to admit when they were wrong...  All because of a kind gentle man, whose eyes  'just observed'.  Thank you, Jack.  You made me a better Mother.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Just know, many people lives were touched by Jack. We greive for your lose.

Many Blessing,

Jean (Gavlek) Olberding