Tommy

This is an image of Tommy. He was on the bus this afternoon as I got on to head home from the credit union. I never recognized him when I run into him usually on the bus. He presents himself very well for a person with a really significant intellectual disability. He always flashes me a big smile and sometimes a handshake and I usually respond accordingly. I don't know if he rides the bus every single day I don't know if he goes to a specific place like a job setting or other kind of project or program. I do know he writes a lot and he spends a lot of time visiting with various bus drivers. He's really not supposed to as far as engaging with significant conversations with the driver and Tommy is aware of this as are the drivers but I really see any of them really pushing the don't talk to the driver reminder. Actually the last two times I've seen him today and earlier last week it seemed like he was paying more attention to the stand behind yellow line that he used to. I don't know if he's been reprimanded or what but he certainly more focused than it used to be. I don't think I really appreciated Tommy at first. Many times from on the bus I really don't want to engage with conversation with anyone but Tommy likes to talk to as many people as he can. I think it's fairly intuitive and can read when a person doesn't want to communicate with him as usual any backs off and leaves them alone and I really appreciate that. This afternoon after I recognize Tommy and we both said hello and asked how we were doing that was it. He was in the seat next to me or to my wheelchair spot but he is also up and down looking like he was going to talk to the driver off and on and only speaking with him once that I saw. He was at the front of the plus when I got off patted my shoulder when I got off the ramp and he was gone when the bus pulled out back in his spot just behind the yellow line making sure not to bother the driver …