BRB, currently a puddle of goo.

Your usual cynical curmudgeon Doug will be back soon. But right now, I have melted into a pile of goo with big heart eyes and a smile that will not quit.

Late in my afternoon shift, I saw a mother and young daughter step up to cross. The little girl was probably a Kindergarten kid, she looked about five-ish.

Light pops green, I raise my sign, blow my three blasts on the whistle and step out to meet them mid-way across the street. The little girl can't take her eyes off of me and has a big smile. A thousand-watt smile.

Once safely across. Mom explained what was going on. This was a special trip because the girl had never crossed the street with a crossing guard. She specified that she wanted me to cross her.

I am amazed that I didn't melt right there. Her very first crossing with a guard and I was chosen? Wow. Such an honor.

And that's why I love this job. Even on a slow corner, I can make a difference.