Kristen Will, Sartell
When I first applied to be a crossing guard for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, it was for purely selfish reasons. That extra money each week would help pay for the kids’ activities and more. I knew it was OK for me to sit in my car and wait for any kids that might need to cross, but I like the fresh air, and so I got my lawn chair out, brought my coffee with and sat on my corner. What a great gig. I was able to enjoy God’s creation, wave to a couple of friends who drove by and watch people’s reactions when I gave them a smile.
At first, I just got a kick out of people because, you know, people are funny. Then, as I sat there the first day it was cold with sleet pelting me in the face, I got a kick out of myself, thinking, “This is what good living gets you,” which made me smile all the more, and the more I smiled, the more people smiled back. Soon enough, I was waving at half the people driving by, which made me smile and giggle to myself even more.
This “job” really put me in the Christmas spirit. I’ve made friends, and I’ve seen so much generosity. I first had a random dad and his child pull over to give me a Christmas gift card and say thank you for doing what I do. I was floored. This was a “job,” after all, and even though I didn’t have to sit out there when it was -40 windchill, there were still kids walking to school. Plus, I was enjoying my smiles and waves. One Monday morning, 51 people waved to me. To give me a gift was so random and thoughtful.
Then, a couple days later, two high-school students stopped and walked up to me with a large gift bag stuffed full with things to keep me warm. I wish I could name them here, but if any of you know them, you are lucky, indeed. One of them said to me, “My friend and I see you out here every day in the cold, making sure our students are safe, and we just wanted to say thank you.” I couldn’t help but be a bit overwhelmed and a bit emotional. I quickly put the Santa hat on that was in the bag, and you couldn’t wipe the big grin off my face that morning.
Well, it doesn’t end there. I arrived at work at the elementary to find a sweetly written Christmas card from a family I don’t even know thanking me for starting their day out with a smile. They had taken the time to hunt me down in order to thank me. Absolutely amazing.
Yesterday a woman stopped, handed me another gift card and with tears in her eyes told me she has had a rough couple of months and has really looked forward to seeing me every morning and that I helped start her day with a smile. This time, I couldn’t help it. After I gave her a hug and she drove away, I let a few tears slip down my cheeks. That right there made me glad I wore two sets of wool socks and toe warmers inside my boots and bundled up so all you could see were my eyeballs – so I could keep waving – and hoping you all could see my smiling eyes behind my husband’s ski mask.
This morning, I’m dressing up like Santa Claus. I’m hoping to bring joy to those driving by this holiday season, maybe remind you to slow down a little and enjoy the people around you because, you know, people are funny. They are also kind, generous, grieving, sweet and loving. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, maybe a little wave.
Thank you all for the smiles, the waves and your stories. I don’t really need gifts, but I want you to know they were appreciated. Even if you wave just to embarrass your kid in the car – I love it!
Maybe I applied for this job for selfish reasons, but this community has really shown me what I love about humankind, and this “job” has been a true (albeit cold!) blessing. Thank you, Sartell.
