A photo of a caring bus driver holding a crying boy’s hand on his first day of school has gone viral. We all know that leaving home and heading into school can be a scary and upsetting experience for kids, especially when they’re used to spending all their time at home with their parents. It’s important to ensure they feel as comfortable and safe as possible, and Wisconsin bus driver Isabel Lane did just that for young Axel Johnson as he headed off to kindergarten.
- Axel was actually excited to head to kindergarten. However, as the boy boarded the bus, his excitement turned to anxiety and he began to cry. Thankfully, Lane knew exactly what to do and reached back to take his hand so he felt a little less scared.
- Axel’s mom, Amy, was there to snap a picture of the adorable moment. She eventually shared the photo with the Augusta Police Department, who posted it to their Facebook page in acknowledgment of Lane’s hard work as well as all of the other staff who work with kids. “The compassion we see every day in our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, administration, food service staff, and paraprofessionals is truly admirable,” the post said. “We are so fortunate to be able to partner with these people!”
- So many people were touched by Lane’s gesture. After it was posted, the picture immediately went viral, with local residents as well as people around the world remarking how lovely it is to see Lane’s kindness in action.
- Lane doesn’t think she did anything special. As she told local news affiliate WEAU, she didn’t think twice about reaching out for little Axel’s hand. “I think it kind of goes for anyone—if you see someone maybe struggling, just to do something as simple as reaching out a hand and showing that you are there,” she said.
- Thankfully, Axel got over his jitters and is doing great now. Lane added that Axel’s jitters faded pretty quickly and after that first day, he was loving it. “The day after that he was waiting at the bus stop all by himself, he got on all smiles and talking to me the whole time so he is doing much better now,” she said. Good to hear!
