Bus Driver Supports Student Grieving His Grandpa
Ever since Kindergarten, Jack Monterecy wanted to be a school bus driver. Now an 8-year-old second grader in Rhode Island, he had to start school for the first time not seeing his grandpa on his bus route for a friendly wave or sweet sign.
It’s a daily tradition Jack always looked forward to. In fact, the whole bus looked forward to seeing Papa Peter and even sang to him on his 75th birthday! Jack’s bus driver Anne Marie Torregrossa not only came to the funeral, but hung up a picture of his “Papa” at the front of the bus. She also gave Jack the role of “special helper” to try to keep those bus rides special.
Jack’s dad said, “She stepped in and filled a gap, and I don’t think we ever expected a bus driver to play that role.”