Life Crossings

It hasn’t hit her yet.

Come September Lois Presley said she would start missing the smiling faces, breakfast gatherings and doughnut shares. The now grown up kids, no longer walking, but instead driving past her. 

But, until then, it will just feel like another summer break from her roughly 11-year job as a crossing guard for students - and parents - walking to in Hatboro. 

“It just got to be a good, friendly atmosphere,” Presley, of Hatboro, said. “I got to be friends with a lot of parents that walked. I went to breakfast this morning with one of the parents.”

And those breakfasts may continue, but likely will not be preceded by Presley directing walkers to the elementary school. She finished her tenure as crossing guard – at least in the full-time realm - on June 16. Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner recognized Presley for her efforts and presented her with a certification of commendation during last week’s borough council meeting.

“Our crossing guards are our unsung heroes,” Gardner said. “They’re out there every day.”

Presley, a Florida native who earlier on worked as a school bus driver, said she might continue serving as a crossing guard on an as-needed basis for the police department. But, for the most part, she’s retired. And, that includes work in her husband Jim’s store, . 

“I told him I was going to be on vacation from June until September,” she said of her husband, Jim, adding that her involvement with the church, as well as the Willow Grove Community Development Corporation keeps her busy. “I have a lot of things that I’m involved with.”

But, when next month rolls around, Lois Presley said she’ll need even more activities to keep her mind off the kids and parents she won’t get to see on a daily basis.

“It was so rewarding,” she said. “I’m gonna miss it.”