It takes a special sort of person to lean into the job of school bus driver.

“I love them and they love me, and those children and I, we learn life lessons together,” said Debbie Crosby, school bus driver for Calcasieu Parish School Board for 17 years and a woman of faith.

On Sunday, Feb. 13, Crosby shared the love that her faith in God brings to her life. She, the children who ride her route and a teacher delivered 60 chocolate “longstemmed” roses, smiles and hugs to some of the elderly widows in her community. The idea was hatched after Crosby heard some of the kids on the bus talking about grandmothers, aunts and Valentine’s Day.

“It made me feel so good to see the looks on the faces of the children and hear about each delivery,” Crosby said. “One of the ladies contacted me to tell me her rose was just too pretty to eat.”

One of the women who received a visit had lost her husband on Valentine’s Day. Another had met her husband on Feb. 14.

A third was married on that day. On the way back from making deliveries, the bus passed a man who had lost his wife and one of the children suggested that men be added to the list next year because they need love too.

“Those kids, they will line you out,” Crosby said. “So, yes, we’ll include men next year. I was feeling a little sorry for myself one day when I heard this little voice say, ‘Miss Debbie, how was your day?’”

She looked up to see a child with a big smile waiting for an answer. The girl’s mother had shared details with Crosby the summer before that made that smile and question all the more touching. Crosby felt the presence of God, and the conviction that if this child could smile despite what she had been through, Crosby certainly could.

“We will go through things,” Crosby said, “but He’s always been good and He will always be good. Everyday, no matter the weather, it’s a beautiful day to love God.”