Is there anything more heartwarming than a grandparent going the extra mile for their grandkids? One grandfather from Oregon took this to a whole new level by purchasing a school bus just for his grandchildren.
Jim Thompson decided to make this Christmas unforgettable for his ten grandkids by gifting them their very own school bus. A few days before the holiday, he surprised them at their home in Salem, Oregon, and their reaction was priceless. “When they saw it, their faces lit up,” Jim shared with a local news outlet.
Half of Jim’s grandchildren attend a small private institution called Evergreen Academy, which lacks its own transportation. This situation meant parents had to manage drop-offs and pickups daily. “The kids have often mentioned how cool it would be to have a school bus,” Jim explained. Well, he turned that wish into reality—talk about a grandpa with a plan!
The other five grandkids aren’t yet school-aged, but when they are, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop onto the “Grandpa Express,” the name Jim affectionately gave to the bus, which he even painted on the side.
Living within a 20-minute drive from each other, Jim’s grandkids are just a short trip from his house, making the daily school run manageable. He has even planned to pick them up every morning before heading off to work.
The idea came into fruition after his wife, Sarah, asked him about his aspirations. “I told her I wanted a bus to take the grandkids to school, sing songs, and create special memories together,” Jim recounted. What started as a dream soon became a reality as he and Sarah brainstormed how to make it happen.
After a month of searching, they found a charming bus that was already decorated with bright colors and fun designs. They also made sure every seat had a seatbelt for safety. And how did the kids respond to this amazing gift? They absolutely adored it! Check out this heartwarming video capturing their excitement.
While the grandkids will enjoy riding in style, Jim is the one who truly hits the jackpot—creating lasting memories. “The essence of this gift is for my husband to connect with the next generation and give them wonderful moments together,” Sarah remarked.
The first school run is set for their return from the Christmas break, and the anticipation is palpable. If you want to read more about stories that warm your heart, check out this other blog post.
In summary, Jim Thompson’s thoughtful gesture of buying a school bus for his grandkids is a beautiful reminder of the lengths grandparents will go to in order to create special moments with their family.