Grandpa of 10 Buys School Bus for Grandkids to Spend Time with Them Every Morning

One man deserves the grandfather of the year award. He was selfless, and for his 60th birthday decided to get a gift that would allow him to make memories with those closest to him—his precious grandchildren.

Doug Hayes of Oregon celebrated his 59th year of life in 2018. He was speechless when asked what he wanted for his big milestone birthday the following year. He couldn’t decide what he longed for and kept pondering the idea for a while.

Eventually, he told his wife, Amy Hayes, he had chosen his ideal bucket list gift. It was nothing she could’ve guessed but made perfect sense for the kindhearted man.

He Was a Kind and Caring Man

Amy recalled how “bamboozled” her husband was when choosing a gift. She explained: “What did HE want? What was on HIS bucket list? He was floored. A little disturbed. He couldn’t even comprehend the question.”

Doug adored his family and loved spending time with his grandkids, so it was only fitting that his present included them. The caring grandad enjoyed making memories with the little ones who went to school 20 minutes away from their residence.

Doug’s grandkids attended a small Christian establishment called Paideia Classical Christian School that didn’t have a bus for their commute.

In December 2019, the Grandfather Express was officially in service, and the smiles on his grandkids’ faces confirmed Doug had made the right decision.

The Grandfather’s Heartwarming Idea

Doug quickly came up with a clever plan to fix the transport issue, and it was an idea that would give him endless joy and pleasure. He recalled something his grandchildren said:

“The kids have always said, ‘Gee whiz, I like our school, but we would like to be able to have a school bus.'”

This statement was how Doug came up with his unique bucket list gift idea. He wanted something very few people have on their wish lists.

The Grandfather Express

During his 60th year on earth, Doug bought a yellow school bus and surprised his family over Christmas. The vehicle arrived with a big bow outside their Gladstone home, and Doug’s grandkids erupted with joy.

The bus even had a name, “Grandfather express,” and would transport the beloved little ones to and from school. He had ten grandchildren who were lucky to have a grandfather like him. In her Facebook post, Amy shared Doug’s vision for the bus:

“I want a bus so I can go around every morning, pick up all the grandkids, and drive them to school before I go to work. Just a small bus. We’d sing songs, talk, and it would be something unforgettable they did with their grandfather. If money were no object, I’d want a bus.”

The Little Ones Were over the Moon

In December 2019, the Grandfather Express was officially in service, and the smiles on his grandkids’ faces confirmed Doug had made the right decision.

The bus was decorated with creative numbers on the inner ceiling and was any child’s dream come true. All the seats had seatbelts, and Doug couldn’t wait to start his daily bus route.

A video of the big gift reveal was shared online, and the little ones could be heard asking: “Is that it? You got a bus!” They ran towards the yellow vehicle and couldn’t hide their glee.

The Online Reaction

Doug is the grandfather people read about in storybooks and see on their television screens in heartwarming movies. It’s no wonder his gesture would move netizens, and many online community members praised his thoughtful actions:

“How fun it that!!! You always come up with creative ideas.”

– (Tanya Shubin) December 21, 2019

“I loved hearing the joy and giggling voices of those precious little ones on the bus. Melts my heart.”

– (Colene Butler) December 21, 2019

“I love this so much!! Lonnie has LONG talked about wanting a Grandad bus!! This is the best! And it’s CUTE!!! You are a wonder!”

– (Lorna Arnold) December 21, 2019

“Joy is found in the small things in life. What a nice pick, Doug! Thanks for your giving of yourself always.”

– (Nancy Jayne Hoover) December 22, 2019

“Oh, my heart is singing with joy!!!! This makes me so over-the-top happy. I can only imagine the memories that will be created morning by morning!!!”

– (Vida O. Sneed) December 24, 2021

“Too cool for school just found a new meaning. Congrats, and so happy Doug gets to live his dream.”

– (Connie Meyerdierk) December 21, 2019

Bravo to Doug for putting his family first. He will undoubtedly reap the rewards of his kindness and generosity for years to come. We wish him and his family many happy moments together.

Click here for a story about a grandfather and his grandkids. The little ones said their goodbyes and prayed with their beloved family member as he lay unconscious in a coma. What happened next shocked everyone.