Olivia's Yellow Bus

Hello! I'm Olivia St. Sure, from Waimea, Hawai'i. Today is my birthday.

How old am I? That's my secret. Here I am, plopped on my beach chair at Hapuna Beach. Watching the surfers, sandpipers and reading an old book about me. OLIVIA's YELLOW BUS.

The story, short as it is, brings back many fond memories of the wonderful place where I live, Waimea. And its wonderful people. It is a story about love and kindness. I remember. As a family, we needed urgent help. Mom was two months pregnant. She had to give up her job. Dad had work but did not earn enough to pay the rent. We were behind four months. Mr. Cooper, our landlord, got angry. Kicked us out. Dad's friend John had an old hollowed out school bus. He was a lifesaver. Uncle John said we could use the YELLOW BUS to live in for the time being. He and dad moved our few possessions into it. Dad called it a mobile home. "Where will we live, dad?" "At Spencer Beach Park." "But dad, camping is not allowed at Spencer's!" "I worked it out with the police, Olivia.' "Really!' 'Yes." I was surprised. Dad hated cops. He was a troublemaker. The police didn't like him either. They were making an exception for us. They helped us in so many kind ways after the eviction. I want you to meet my parents. Mrs. Lindsey, my wonderful teacher. The best teacher in the world. Because of her I became a teacher. The police. John saw how much i loved the bus and gave it to me. I'll stop here and save some of the story for you.