The Absent Uncle: ‘Tough as a boot’

By: 
D.C. Schultz, Guest Columnist

Today is a pretty reflective day. I was informed my oldest sister, Darleen fell yesterday or last night, broke her arm, and is probably looking at a significant life change going forward. 

She is 87 – has been very aware of the danger of falling. She let me know of her fear in our last two telephone conversations. But she is so resilient, so accepting, and so understanding of her age, condition, and what the outcomes are probably going to be. She is amazing. 

I am dealing with four older siblings (one of which passed away last year) and being the youngest, it is what it is. 

It brings to mind a memory; when I was in the Austin, Texas, area managing a school bus transportation program. I was faced with a veteran driver returning from FMLA leave for a significant cancer episode. 

I hadn’t known this driver, but was charged with putting her back in service properly. Her previous route was a special ed bus and the driver substitute had done fabulously. But she – wanted her route back. 

I tried all the conversational things I could think of to see if I could dissuade her from asserting her right to that route. Find something easier, less stressful, fewer kids.

Nope.

She finally looked me straight in the eye and said, “That is my route, and I am as tough as a boot”.  

She was. She finished the school year without a day being missed. I believe I know how difficult that was.

Women like that driver and my sister never get the credit they deserve for what they give, for what they mean to those that come in contact with them. They are “tougher than a boot”.

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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