Slow down for Oklahoma's school zones

He said he did pass along a word or two, however, to those who came close to hitting a child at his crossing.

He talked to the children, particularly the youngest, who came to his crossing, teaching them to wait patiently for him to give them the OK to proceed.

He told me it made his day when they thanked him and told him they would see him again the next day.

Then, he asked that I remind the motoring public to watch out for the children. I promised I would.

He never gave me his last name. I never got his phone number. He never wrote me. This was the way he wanted it. He just told me to expect the call and the chat again next year.

He did so for about the next five years. Then, the calls stopped. It was much later that I heard from a school official that a certain crossing guard had passed away.

I still miss his calls. But neither he nor his message is forgotten. It's still loud and clear, for all of us: "School's startin' again, so ... watch out for the kids."

By the way ...

Here's a special "thank you" in advance to all those who help our children through the school crossings.

John would be proud of you.

Enjoy your week and drive safely.