Tim Lost on the Bus

Marina, California, about 1982:

Disclaimer: Do not let your child do this in today's scary world. Back in the 1980s it was a much safer environment.


Tim is very smart - When he was about 11 years old, he could solve the Rubik's cube in about two minutes. One day he wanted to go by himself on the city bus to Ft. Ord to swim in their swimming pool. We had driven past the pool many times and discovered it was only the second bus stop after entering the base. Tim assured me that he knew where to get off the bus, that he would be fine. I felt he was right.


I gave Tim the money for the bus and he set out. He boarded the bus with no problem, but then as it drove through the base, it was confusing for Tim where he was supposed to get off.


He stayed on the bus for about eight miles, all the way to the Monterey Mall. He knew he'd missed the pool stop, and recognized the mall, so he decided to get off. He walked into a toy store and asked to use the phone to call home. He was smart. He did the right thing. I drove to the mall and picked him up.

Sometimes we don't know we're lost, we're just a little confused at the time, and then after a little while more, we know for sure we are lost. At that point, we need to stop and ask for help. It's okay to ask for help. When we do, we will get it.