Florida Bus Driver Surprises Disabled Girl with Princess Dress, Tiara, and Decorated Bus for Her Birthday

One woman from Jacksonville, Florida, was an angel on earth for a little girl with a rare health condition. The bus driver went above and beyond for the child's fifth birthday, planning surprises to make her feel like a princess.

Arletha Sherman wasn't like every other bus driver in the world. She always went above and beyond for her passengers and was inspired after meeting Anna Hopson.

The driver noticed the little girl's positive attitude despite her challenging circumstances. Arletha was determined to give Anna the birthday of her dreams and succeeded in her mission.

A Caring Bus Driver

Anna's mother, Kathleen Hopson, first noticed the bond between Arletha and her daughter after she missed school one day. Driver Arletha showed up at their house and asked if little Anna was okay. That was only the start of their beautiful connection.

In April 2019, Anna was ready to go to school as usual. However, the little girl had no idea that something special was about to happen.

Arletha and Anna's special connection was confirmed again when the bus driver asked the precious child an unexpected question.

Her Happy Passenger Inspired Her

Anna waited for her bus and was in awe when her driver handed her a princess dress and tiara. The precious child was stunned and excited that her special day started on such a high note.

Arletha was delighted by the little girl's reaction and shared what led her to do something for Anna:

"The fact that she has so much going on in her life, but she's always happy. She never complains. She has the most beautiful smile and it inspired me to do something for her."

Another Special Surprise for Anna

Little Anna enjoyed every minute of feeling like a princess, and she had no idea that the fun had just begun. Arletha had another surprise waiting for her inside the wheelchair-accessible school bus.

The driver decorated the vehicle with bright streamers and a colorful birthday banner. Anna couldn't believe her eyes and asked: "Is this all for me?"

The kind-hearted driver's actions overwhelmed Anna in the best way. The duo had a unique friendship, and Arletha revealed that she could have a bad morning, but everything changed whenever she saw Anna. The child felt the same way about her bus driver, happily telling Arletha:

"You are my best friend. I love you."

A Special Part of Her Wedding Day

Arletha and Anna's special connection was confirmed again when the bus driver asked the precious child an unexpected question. She wanted Anna to be part of her wedding day.

The youngster was thrilled and couldn't wait to be a flower girl for her beloved bus driver. She wore a pretty white dress and threw petals as she moved down the aisle ahead of Arletha.

It Was a Dream Come True

Heartwarming photos and video footage displayed the joy on Anna's face as she danced with her dad and had the time of her life at the wedding. Kathleen recalled:

"Anna's bus driver has been a blessing in our lives from day one. She was a beautiful bride, and Anna was honored to serve as her flower girl!"

The little girl's mom was in tears because of her daughter's significant role in the proceedings. Kathleen always hoped to see her daughter at a wedding, so the event was a dream come true.

The Online Response

Kathleen shared the bus driver's kindness online, telling netizens how Arletha showered Anna with love. She wrote: "Anna's bus driver went all out to make Anna's birthday special!"

The bus driver's actions stunned the online community, and users praised Arletha's generosity and care. Many people were inspired by their beautiful bond:

"Kindness. Sprinkle it on everything! Kudos to this bus driver!"

- (@clevelandgroovygirl) April 18, 2019

"Such a lovely gesture from an angel of a human being."

- (@joplynsjourney) April 11, 2019

"My heart just exploded. What a beautiful story!"

- (@what_willow_wore) April 11, 2019

"Oh my goodness!! Who is cutting onions around here!? How thoughtful she is! This made my heart smile. So glad to hear there are still some amazingly big-hearted people out there."

- (@perfectasyouare_book) April 11, 2019

"That is the absolute sweetest! How special for her big day! She looks beautiful as always!"

- (@metabolic_mama) April 10, 2019 ⁣

Arletha was not only a bus driver; she was an angel in the eyes of the Hopson family. Their little girl was in and out of the hospital, but thanks to one kind woman, Anna had a memory bank full of moments to keep her smiling.

In December 2019, Kathleen told netizens that because bus routes had changed, little Anna would no longer be riding with Arletha. However, they would always be friends for life. We wish them all the very best!

Click here for a story about another extraordinary bus driver. The Texas resident did everything possible to save drowning kids, using the bus seatbelts and thinking quickly—his actions saved lives.