He watched as his daughter’s bus pulled up to the corner. Slowly all the other children got off the bus but he didn’t see Isabella. His heart began beating wildly in his chest. The bus was not moving, so why wasn’t his daughter getting off at her stop?
He quickly got out of his car and ran towards the bus. With every second he imagined new scenarios. When he began to bang on the bus doors, he squared back his shoulders and vowed to do anything to protect his daughter.
A Home With Heartbreak
Phillip and Patricia had been married for a couple of years before they welcomed their daughter. The couple was thrilled to become parents but Phillip was always stressed about money.
Patricia always told her husband they would find a way, but then her health declined. Phillip felt helpless as he watched his beautiful wife vanish before his eyes. His shoulders slumped and he felt the weight of being a single dad.
Hair Trials And Tribulations
His daughter Isabella had beautiful long hair, but Patricia had always helped with styling it. Phillip tried to do his best but after a few attempts, he told his daughter they only had one solution.
He took out his shaving clippers and quickly buzzed his daughter's long locks. As they fell to the floor, Isabella knew her dad meant well but the girl in the mirror was devastated. A fairy godmother was waiting around the corner…
Morning Routine
Phillip had to leave for work before Isabella left for school. He knew she was a responsible young girl and didn’t have to worry about her too much. Isabella always caught the bus to school and Phillip was already at home when she returned.
One night, Phillip was helping his daughter with her homework when she gave him a letter from her teacher. Phillip opened the piece of paper and needed an answer from Isabella immediately!
Where Was She Going In The Morning?
The letter Isabella had given her father stated that she was consistently late in the morning. It didn’t make any sense. Isabella should be getting to school with more than enough time to prepare.
He tried to get her to talk to him, but she shut down and went very quiet. Later that night, Phillip lay awake thinking about what his daughter was hiding from him. The truth was sweeter than he imagined.
Hair Always Grows Back
Isabella’s hair grew quickly, but every time it got a little bit longer she had to fight with her dad not to buzz it all off. She missed her long hair and became protective over keeping it out of her father’s reach.
Phillip tried to learn from videos online but he felt useless. The letters continued from the school about Isabella being late, but she still wouldn’t explain herself. It was time for a hard discussion between the father and daughter, but was he prepared for the truth she would tell him?
Explain Yourself, NOW!
Phillip had enough it was ridiculous that his daughter was going missing every morning. He needed to know where she was and why she wasn’t getting to school on time. He pressed her for information, but she refused to tell him why she was late.
At one point they both looked at a picture of Patricia and got incredibly sad. Their family was falling apart without her. Life would be easier with Patricia being alive, but someone else in the community was stepping up.
Isabella Morning Routine
It had been two years since Isabella’s mom had died and every morning she did the same routine. She woke up to say goodbye to her father and made herself breakfast. She always caught the bus to school but had one big secret.
Isabella had the same bus driver for years. The bus driver had watched the little girl for many mornings until she finally couldn’t take it anymore. When Isabella reached the school one day, she couldn’t sit in silence any longer.
Who Was The Bus Driver?
Tracy Dean was a stay-at-home mom that loved being a school bus driver. She had four children of her own and the schedule was great for her availability. Tracy had a big heart and had lived in the neighborhood for many years.
She remembered when Patricia had been sick and the sad day that Isabella walked onto her bus with her hair cut drastically short. She knew Phillip was trying his best, but she couldn’t stand by in silence any longer.
Was It Her Place To Intervene?
Tracy knew Isabella probably felt embarrassed about her hair, but she also knew it would be easy to style the short haircut. She decided to bring a few things from her daughter's room and share them with Isabella.
The first day, Isabella went to get off the bus and was surprised when Tracy asked her to wait a second. When she revealed the hair clips and berets, Isabella couldn’t help her emotional reaction.
It Became A Routine
After the first morning when Tracey added a few clips to Isabella’s hair, the little girl had a newfound feeling of hope. She didn’t want to jinx it but she kept her fingers crossed that Tracy would do her hair again.
Tracy smiled at Isabella’s hopeful face and couldn’t say no. Isabella had a new joy in her heart thanks to Tracy, but neither one of them expected these interesting repercussions.
The Bigger Challenge
In the morning, Tracy would start by brushing Isabella’s hair. Unfortunately, as her short hair cut grew out, her hair became thick and matted. The first time Tracy brushed out the hair it took ten minutes.
When the bus arrived at the school, the students only had a few moments to get to class. These precious hairstyling appointments were getting Isabella into serious trouble, but she refused to give up or tell anyone what was happening.
At The End Of The Day
When Tracy dropped Isabella at home, it was the last stop on her bus route. The two would sit and chat on the bus for a few minutes while Isabella returned all the hair clips. During these conversations, they both learned something that would bond them together for life.
Tracy had never known what had happened to Isabella’s mom, and Isabella never had anyone to talk to about how she was feeling. Slowly they realized one detail that they both shared.
Survivors And Fighters
Isabella’s mom had passed away from cancer. She had fought bravely for six years but eventually just couldn’t beat the deadly disease. When she passed away, Isabella was nine years old.
Tracy listened to the young girl talk about the memories she had with her mother and knew it was difficult growing up with this loss. Tracy had a secret from Isabella that she wasn’t sure if she should reveal….
She Had Come This Close
Tracy had also been diagnosed with cancer and come close to losing the battle. Tracy had four children and couldn’t imagine what their lives would be like if they had to grow up without a mother.
The more time she spent with the more she realized how much the young girl meant to her. The only problem was other people were beginning to notice the bus driver spending so much time with her….
It Was Time For Phillip To Find Out
While Tracy was being kind and helping Isabella, she was still making the little girl late for classes. The dad had to find out what was happening and decided to follow the bus one morning.
As he sat parked only a few blocks away, he watched the bus pull up and park. All the other children got off the bus but his daughter was nowhere to be seen. When he finally saw her leave the bus he noticed an important detail.
It All Made Sense
When Isabella left the bus, Phillip noticed how nice her hair looked. He knew his daughter had not done that by herself at home and stopped the bus to speak with the driver. When Tracy saw the concerned father's face, she knew she had to tell him the truth.
She explained to Phillip what she was doing to help his daughter. He was overcome with emotion at the kindness of this stranger. Why hadn’t Isabella been comfortable to tell him this herself?
Finally Hearing The Truth
When Phillip and Isabella sat down together at home that night, they had a big long talk. The father wasn’t mad but he also didn’t want Isabella to keep being late every morning. Isabella had been scared to tell her father because she knew he was doing his best.
It was time to get some tips and tricks from Tracy that Phillip could help his daughter with at home. The mother of four was happy to share her knowledge with the good-intentioned father. The community thought more people needed to hear about this special bond.
A Feel Good Community Story
A local news team covered the story and highlighted how important having a community was. It takes more than just two parents to raise a child and it was amazing that Tracy had taken the time out of her day to help Isabella.
The family was shocked when they began receiving hairdressing offers from local salons. So many people wanted to help and make sure that the little girl continued to feel beautiful. Would they accept any of the offers?
This Journey Was Just Beginning
Phillip and his daughter only got closer after he found out this important secret. When it comes to family all that matters is his daughter’s happiness. He was relieved she was getting the support she needed.
The two continue to learn together and attend different events in the community. They have even gone to Tracy’s house for dinner. It looks like a bright, well-styled future for everyone.