Waves of kindness

By: 
Andrea Nelson

Every motorist driving in and out of Lonsdale’s east side gets a wave.

The unofficial greeter is John Carson. He loves waving to everybody and hopes it makes their day.

It makes him "happy," he said.

John, who turned 19 in April and graduated in May from Tri-City United High School, has been waving to passersby for a few years now. His mom, Roz Carson, can't pinpoint why he started greeting motorists, but believe it started at school under the guidance of one special teacher.

He started school a year later than most other children his age so he was in a group more at his level. This education began with the New Prague School District's Developmental Adapted Physical Education program.

Eventually Roz and her husband, also named John, transitioned Johnny to the TCU School District, where one specific teacher really helped John thrive.

"There was a sudden connection and she brought out the life in him," Roz said of special education teacher Allison Bass. "She made him feel comfortable, and this brought out his inner feelings."

Roz said that at first John didn't like learning, but Bass helped change that. And, when learning became too much and a break was needed, she would take him to meet other students his age and give him the chance to mingle with his peers and other school personnel.

Over time, he began to smiling and waving to those around school, which brought joy to students and staff.

Soon, he started to share his smile and wave to those driving by his home.

John is so enthusiastic about greeting people, so much so that his parents had to establish rules. One rule is not before 9 a.m. and usually not after 6 p.m., Roz explained. “On any given day John can walk down the hill to wave at people upwards of 10 times.”

Roz watches him from the window to make sure he’s doing ok, and calls him when she needs him.

There are other safety rules he has to follow. He has to stay in his yard and return to the house if a car is parked, slows way down, when the neighbor is mowing the grass, of if the weather is too hot or too cold.

John is most comfortable standing and has declined a chair to sit in, or an umbrella for shade.

For him, simple is better. He can write in his notebook and note the different vehicles passing by.

He really loves when people honk their horn and wave. And when they do, if he's not writing in his notebook, he happily snaps his fingers, claps his hands, or pumps his fists in gratitude.
His favorite honks are by the “semis."

Read more in the print edition.

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