Retiring from a job you have done for decades can be emotional for anyone. But this crossing guard was pleasantly surprised when the students she served showed her just how much she means to them.
Keep reading to know more about this tear-jerking story of a wonderful farewell.
Sandra Bellew has been a crossing guard for 55 years. Now the 87-year-old is hanging up her crossing guard vest and going to be focusing on other things in her life.
She has served the Missouri’s Independence School District for over five decades. Her last day at the job was on May 26 and to commemorate her last day of service a group of students who she was serving turned up with homemade signs, flowers and lots of hugs. She clearly had made a bg impact on the childrens’ lives because they wanted to bid her a proper farewell. Their handmade signs and flowers were such a sweet sight!
“It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces,” Bellew told the media. “[The students] kept telling me how much they’re going to miss me. And of course, I had several crying and it was just really healing in a way, knowing that they did care and they will miss me.”
Bellew became a crossing guard in September 1968 and since then she has helped students, their children and in a few cases even their grandchildren as the crossing guard!
As for what she will miss most about her job, Bellew said it is the experience of constantly being able to meet new people. She said she will miss “seeing the kids and getting hugs from them.”
“It’s not big money but it was fun doing it so I enjoyed it,” Bellew, a mom of seven herself said.
Even as she retires, she has no plans of slowing down. She plans on joining a few activities to keep herself busy. She said, “I’m planning on just going swimming and doing water aerobics and exercise and try to keep myself strong and keep my legs strong so I can stay going.”
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Crossing guards are such an important part of keeping our little ones safe as they go to school. And one that has been dedicated to the job for over five decades is surely going to be missed!
Have a happy retirement Sandra! Make sure to share this wonderful story with your friends and family to make them smile.
