Making a Difference: "Cowboy Bill" Always Goes the Extra Mile for His Kids

Every once in a while you come across that special someone who goes above and beyond his “job duties” just because. 

Well, I have met that person. His name is Bill Wood, better known as “Cowboy Bill” -- not because he rides a horse, but because he wears his cowboy hat while transporting our most “precious cargo”, our children with Special Needs.

He doesn’t drive a bus because he has to, for he’s retired from working at Verizon for over 33 years, but because he wants to. His reason? He loves kids and it is very apparent each and every day.

While working for the Morris Union Jointure Commission, Bill goes above and beyond transporting our kids safely, but he does so with diligence and compassion. For it’s the little things he does, like pulling over puddles so our kids don’t get wet, or the personal greetings he gives each of the kids with his big smile and high fives, that make him so special. The kids all really love him and greet him each morning with a  “Hi Mr. Bill”. 

But the time that stands out most to me, was when my daughter was just diagnosed with a lifelong medical condition, and he saw me crying outside of the school. He, of course, took it upon himself to try and comfort me and ease my newfound burden. To this day, he continually asks about her condition.

We all know we are not supposed to sweat the little things, but let’s be honest, it is sometimes the little things that can make or break us the most.  But Bill Wood, (aka Big Bill, Mr. Bill, or Cowboy Bill) helps to turn some of the more challenging mornings of getting two children with Special Needs off to school, into a more tolerable, even enjoyable day.

Little things, like a smile and a few words of encouragement go a long way. We should never underestimate the power of anyone who leads a life with compassion and goes above and beyond in everything they do. Thank you for being one of these people and for making a difference in so many people’s lives.

(This letter was written by parent Sally Curci)