When We Fail to Communicate
Posted: Thursday, August 27, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
‘Communication'-not a big word, not a word hard to understand; but when there is a break down in communication, the consequences can be varied and intense. Whether in our home-life, business environment, or social activities, communication can be a very constructive tool when used properly.
If I remember right, I think it was the raspy voiced Sargent spraying spittle into the cringing face of Private Gomer Pyle, as he shouted, "What we have here is a failure to communicate!", that always came to mind when I thought about communication or the lack thereof.
We met his new teacher, found his new desk, and met some of his soon-to-be very best friends. The teacher imparted a wealth of information as the teary-eyed parents and wide-eyed children milled about the room. When the time came for questions, my first was, "what was my grandson's bus number, where would it pick him up, and what time?"
The teacher frowned a little, looked flustered, then brightly smiled as she informed me we would have to stop by the principal's office on the way out and would be given all that information. Also, there was a nametag in my grandson's new packet folder that had his name and bus number written on it in big black letters-so, what could go wrong.
Rightfully, I was skeptical.
As we left the classroom, I pointed out to my son and husband a list on the door that contained our little pupil's name and his bus number, which was #29-just as we were told. Relaxing somewhat, we continued down to the office to find out the place and time of pick-up and drop-off.
Naturally, the line was long as we waited, trying not to hear the flustered father who was doing his best to make the lady behind the desk understand that his daughter would be dropped off at her grandparents to catch the bus and he wanted her dropped off at the same place after school. The confused secretary was looking at the man as though he were from another planet!
Finally our turn came and we asked our questions and became increasingly concerned when the girl behind the desk produced a list and told us that our grandson's bus number was #35-a bit of a discrepancy here between 29 and 35???? After checking the computer and comparing his name tag to what was in the computer, the girl told us that he would be picked up in front of his home at 6:42 a.m. by bus 35, taken to the Wellness Center, change buses there to number 29, then taken on to the Kindergarten where the afternoon return process would be reversed. Not overly happy about a bus transfer for one so young, we left, convinced that he was in good hands. Not so.
The following morning we were at the bus stop, backpack in place, cameras loaded, fidgeting as the minutes ticked away. Suddenly a big yellow bus loomed on the horizon and just as suddenly whizzed past without slowing. But that was bus number 46. No problem, just the wrong bus-we waited. At 7:15 we decided something was amiss.
Trailing back up the driveway, we loaded into the car and drove to the school and fussed at the secretary in the principal's office until we were told that, "these things happen on the hectic first day of school-not to worry, it would be fine tomorrow."Tomorrow came and only one-half hour late, bus 46 came over the hill again and stopped this time. It seems that bus #35 was in the shop and #46 was filling in, but no one had bothered to give the bus driver his list of students to be picked up on his route. But now things were straight and all was well. It had all turned out to be a small break in the line of communications! I just thank God that a little boy had not been lost in the shuffle!
Communication can be a very important tool when used properly.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I loved your story Sandra. It reminded me of my children's first days at school. My son too, fell asleep on the bus his first day. Your pictures add to your story. Your grandson is adorable. He's lucky to have such caring grandparents!Thanks, Brianna. First days of school can be very hectic. And it is no wonder the concern that parents go through.Sandra
I remember the prison guard boss saying that in "Cool Hand Luke."I have been through a few of those "bus" scenarios myself, starting when I was a kid.Our bus was hit in the side while on the way home. Parents heard that there were a lot of serious injuries, though not one child had even a scratch!Wonderful article, Sandra,thank you.Yes, bus incidents have always had a way of getting parents (and grandparents) hysterical. The 2nd day, my grandson's bus ran out gas, so he came home on a different bus and was about a 1/2 hour late!
The first day of school can be traumatic enough without all this happening. I'm glad everything turned out well.THank you, David. Have a great Holiday weekend.
Great article. REally enjoyed it.THank you J. Have a wonderful Holiday weekend.
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