Attack-survivor Metro driver from West Seattle returns to work

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In January 2010, a Metro bus driver who lives on Alki survived a vicious attack while on the job in Tukwila. She recovered well enough to be at the hearings for her teenage attacker (here’s our final report from last April), but wasn’t sure if she would ever return to work. We learned the other day that she had decided to return; today is her first day. She shared some of her thoughts via e-mail:

Yes, it’s true. I am “attempting” to go back. I will be on a limited schedule at first. I was pleasantly surprised that my driving skills were 100% intact so less pressure there. As far as the rest, well, here’s my thoughts:

January 22, 2010 changed me and my family’s life forever. It has been a rough journey. Physically I recovered quite well, except for a small scar. I didn’t really know what post-traumatic-stress disorder was until this. Boy, I do now! I will always carry that night with me, and I have accepted that. The day of the sentencing I forgave the boys and that is when the healing began, and to this day I cannot harbor hate or anger. I needed to gain enough confidence that I could safely drive the bus without “freaking out” while there were passengers on board. I believe I have now reached that point. I am able to work my way through the “rough spots,” whereas a year ago I wouldn’t have even considered going back.

I believe that my mission is now to turn what has happened to me into something positive. In the coming months, and perhaps years, my focus will be on doing my job, creating some sort of program to reach out to our youth, loving my family and hugging my Shiba Inu. When I look into her eyes, as strange as it sounds, I see the big picture. And the big picture is Japan. I am just a speck in the universe compared to this tragedy. I will survive. I will move on. I want to thank the much love and encouragement from literally everyone who has helped me get through this, including King County Metro. My future looks bright. Thank you, and prayer for Japan.

The forgiveness she mentions above was also reflected in the statement she gave in court last April – part of this WSB story. The then-14-year-old was the only one charged with attacking her; two other teens were charged with vandalism as part of the incident.

onceachef March 21, 2011 (12:35 pm)

You have a great outlook on life…congrats on “getting back on the horse” and turning your horrible experience into a positive…you should be proud of yourself as it’s a brave and healthy perspective you’ve realized.

miws March 21, 2011 (12:46 pm)

Glad to hear it!

I actually thought of this driver the other day, wondering how she was doing, knowing after seeing some recent posts here on WSB, by her Daughter. Just can’t believe it’s been over a year already.

I have to give this woman credit, and she has a great deal of my respect for her ability to forgive those that committed this act. I don’t think I could have done the same for an attack on myself, and it’s even less likely I could if the victim was someone I know and care very much about.

Being a Metro rider for over 37 years now, (minus the 11 when I had my own car from the mid ’80’s to the mid ’90’s) I feel a kind of connection with the drivers, almost as if I’m an employee of Metro myself, (plus I’m a bit of a bus geek) and with that, and the fact that pretty much all my own jobs have been related to one on one customer service, I’m very sensitive to situations that cause people in those types of jobs harm, or threat of harm, and find it inexcusable that anyone else would intentionally cause, or threaten such harm.

Mike

MB March 21, 2011 (4:13 pm)

Wow, she’s a better woman than me. So glad to hear she’s doing well and moving forward. I can only hope that these boys someday learn to see the big picture aswell, and better yet, maybe even care about it. If not, they have a very dark road of karma ahead…

OP March 21, 2011 (8:52 pm)

Forgiveness after such an attack takes a big heart. Ms. Bus Driver, you have one of the biggest around. I hope and pray that you continue to heal.

sun*e March 22, 2011 (9:38 am)

I had the privilege of meeting you and your sweet dog recently when I showed you a rental down on Alki. I’m glad to learn that you are doing so well and are now able to return to work. Having a positive outlook is always a good thing. My best to you.

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