In my first few weeks it has not happened often — but when it does I take notice.  As the new bus driver, I pick up and drop off dozens of children everyday.  A strict time schedule and artful planning allows one bus to transport kids from multiple PTM locations to their homes.  On rare occasions a child will tell me, “thank you.”  I am so happy that there are students who vocalize their gratitude.  I’m sure many others are thankful for the ride home, but with a full day of school, friends, homework, and snacks, their minds are focused on the comforts of home that are only steps away from the closing bus door.  As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, I am so thankful that these children have a safe, warm and reliable way to get to and from PTM.  As I see and hear the kids who do say “thanks,” I tend to think about how much I take for granted in my own life.  Even in the se ason of thanksgiving, I still find myself neglecting what I should be thankful for.  Everyday I wake up in free country with friends and family who love me.  My Lord and Savior has forgiven me and accepts me as his own.  Within those two sentences is a lifetime of thankfulness.  When its been a long, tough day and my head starts hurting from the same CD playing over and over, I find comfort when I hear the kids say, “thank you.”