Happiness comes from all quarters and you find that you don’t even have to be looking for it when suddenly it pops up, and you realize how fortunate you are to be a part of it.
Sometimes it’s due to help at a time of fear that simply turns life around for you, sometimes it’s a serious meeting among educators when you are thrilled by their devotion to American, particularly local history, and sometimes it’s in a casual conversation when you realize how thoughtful others are.
My time of fear was 7:45 one morning when driving east on Route 36 this time of year is uncomfortable. From some of us with limited eyesight to begin with, it becomes impossible. The sun light shining brightly in your eyes clouds out everything, from the hood of your car to the road in front of you. A terrifying feeling to be behind the wheel and suddenly not be able to see enough to drive.
It happened to me, even with two pair of sunglasses, visor down, and a slow speed. Terrified, I pulled to the side of the road near the McDonald’s east of Avenue D in Atlantic Highlands, and figured I would wait there for half an hour or so until the sun moved enough to make driving possible. Because of my vision problem, I knew I could see even less than other motorists, but knew they were putting down visors, putting their hands up to hide the sun, and slowing down to a more prudent speed.
What I did not realize was that I was not completely off the lane of traffic. But the Shamrock School Bus driver, Bus # 309, was worried. Apparently finished from delivering her little charges to school, she and the associate in the bus were stopping for a cup of coffee and pulled into McDonald’s. She instead of going in, she walked over to my car and asked if I was okay or did I have car trouble. When I explained I couldn’t see, she mildly and politely suggested I move closer to the curb. When I excitedly cried I couldn’t see enough to even do that, she asked if I wanted her to move the car. Recognizing a roadside angel when I meet one, I nodded and went to get out of the car. But no, she cautioned, be careful and get on the sidewalk. She took control, took the car, drove it to a parking place not facing the sun, and urged me to wait a while before getting back behind the wheel. She literally saved the day for me and most likely my life and possibly the lives of other motorists in my path.
That afternoon I had a ZOOM meeting with a pretty wonderful Millstone resident who knows the history of western Monmouth County and wants it told accurately and completely, in the schools. But Pat Bush doesn’t get an idea and dream; no, she gets an idea, gets the right people to promote it, and forges ahead with energy to see it accomplished.
Perhaps it’s her enthusiasm and the quality of historians she had with her, or perhaps it’s because the superintendent of the Millstone schools, Dr. Huss, is just brilliant and recognizes the importance of students knowing history, especially the history that surrounds them, or maybe it is the combination. But a dream by a lady who knows and loves history and a school superintendent who is so open to fresh ideas in engaging students in not only history but arts, music, science, and immediately suggesting ways each of those subjects could be a basis for the history lesson, created a most happy feeling for me and excitement that this accent on American history will be a part of the curriculum in Millstone.
Then there was this morning, when I met with another school superintendent, Dr. Jay Majka at that great eatery, The Girls Café in Highlands. Jay is a former Marine, a lawyer, a teacher, and a very smart man who recognizes the obligations as well as the privileges he has as an educator and takes them all seriously. In a simple, informal conversation over a cup of coffee, Jay taught me more about understanding, researching and putting all the facts together carefully and wisely than could be learned from any book. He taught me what a school superintendent is supposed to do to enhance, improve, and expand the education of his students
Besides that, he’s a great conversationalist and wonderful to talk to.
Happiness comes from all over. Grab it and appreciate it. Then spread it to others.
