Our Crossing Guards
There is a common denominator among all writers. It is that life is about stories. They make the world go around. Axioms like these apply those who put “pen to paper,” or, in the electronic age, “fingers to keys.” Whether one writes fiction or non-fiction, this observation is fundamental in applicability. The same with those who work in journalism and academia.
For those who write with dedication, a focus of importance is to identify stories that dance within us and among us. We are all about stories, whether diminutive or grand in scope. One story that I have observed happens every day at an intersection near my home. It has been going on for seven decades. As I watch it in action, however, I know that I am alone in seeing its continuity from the past to the present. It is the job of the crossing guard at the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and San Miguel Avenue.
The individuals who have performed this task protect the safety of those who cross the street. Heavy traffic passes through the intersection daily. Their primary purpose is to protect the children that go to and from the nearby elementary school. The job is not exclusive, however, as the guard also protects the safety of all others who cross the street. The guards have prevented many a tragedy from happening. The individuals who have served in this capacity deserve appreciation and recognition.
The current crossing guard at this intersection has been performing her duties for five years. Her name is Melva. She is a “take charge” person for all who cross her place of responsibility. The stop sign in her hand stands tall. She waves it as needed to get the attention of errant drivers. She is a protector of the schoolchildren that pass through her domain, along with the parents and grandparents who walk with them. She also does the same for all others, including seasoned individuals like me. She is a “first responder” for preventing tragedies, rather than having to react to them. When crossing with her protection, I always thank her and say hello. She responds warmly.
What Melva does not know is that I knew the man who was the first crossing guard to serve in the intersection where she now governs. His name was Gaylord Reynolds. He was the father of a neighbor. He was a colorful man who dressed well and enjoyed a good cigar. He was ebullient and happy with his life. Nonetheless, he had become bored in retirement. His daughter worked for Dr. Oxman in a building that overlooks the intersection. When the need for a crossing guard emerged, she suggested he apply. He did, and he served for several years. I remember him talking about his responsibilities with my parents. He felt he was doing something worthwhile. He liked kids and he liked people.
I visited with him just prior to his death in 1964. His performance as a crossing guard came up in our conversation. He was proud of what he did. Now, Melva continues forward in the same manner and with the same purpose as he did. He would be proud of Melva and all who have served as crossing guards in the decades between him and Melva. Whenever I cross that intersection under the protection of Melva, I think of Gaylord Reynolds. It warms my heart when I think of him and her. I hope it does with you as well. Gaylord was great and Melva is marvelous. Like other crossing guards, they march to the same drummer. It is to protect people and to serve the public good. They deserve a tip of the hat for what they do.