Crossing Guard Of 14 Years Drives Up To Work On 80th Birthday To Find ‘His’ Children All Grown Up

Oct 16, 2019 by apost team

For fourteen years and counting, Alec Childress has faithfully carried out his duties as a crossing guard in the town of Wilmette, Illinois. He loves his job and it shows on his smiling face and in his cheerful daily greeting, "Peace, I gotcha," that he shares with each student.

Alec is a loving father of three children, a granddad to 12 grandchildren, and he also has three great-grandkids. Beyond his own family, he has become a father figure to local kids throughout the community. He makes a point of learning all of the kids' names. Then, as they grow older and advance into junior high and high school, he continues to greet them any time they cross his path.

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Alec's family and many friends decided that for his 80th birthday they wanted to surprise this beloved crossing guard with a greeting he would never forget. So they set up a special birthday celebration right beside his usual morning crossing guard post. The media heard the news including Good Morning America and decided to cover the story of this heartwarming display of love and gratitude.

Over 100 of the local elementary school's current students, as well as former students, parents, teachers, and members of the community showed up to wish Alec a happy 80th birthday. The touching moment of his arrival was caught on video. Alec was truly blown away when he pulled up to his intersection, saw the smiling crowd, and heard a collective shout of "Peace, I gotcha!" as he exited his vehicle. He never realized what a huge impact his kind words and daily presence had made on his community until that special morning.

Students and community members alike showered him with hugs and words of kindness and love. They want Alec Childress to know just how very proud they are of him. Though Alec appreciated the thoughtful Birthday expressions, he didn't let the celebration get in the way of him performing his duties that morning. He still grabbed his stop sign and made his way over to his post. He has no plans for retiring from his position any time soon.

What do you think about the community's surprise 80th birthday party for dedicated crossing guard Alec Childress? Do you agree that he deserves to be honored for his years of faithful service? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Pass this encouraging story along to put a smile on someone's face today!