Adventures on the Train

Yesterday morning I was running late. I actually run late most mornings as a rule, but was trying to tame my Ronald McDonald/Miss Frizzle-like hair that I had going on. Usually like to get on the 6:38 train, but was going to miss that so aimed for the 6:55. Pulled into the parking lot and watched that train pull away. Story of my life. A little peeved about the situation, I waited in the warmth of my '98 BigRed Ford Tauras.

Before getting off the highway, I saw tons of police cars on the overpass above 93 as well as down below. While I waited in my car for the train, I saw two helicopters flying above. I didn't think much of it, but later read this when I got to work: http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_006082731.html

Yikes.

Back to the train. In the mornings I like to sit quietly and read or listen to my iPod. My afternoon train rides are typically when I make small talk and people watch up a storm. So I trudge onto the train wearing my crocs with the fur... with the furrrr. I carry my sisters laptop bag, laptopless, of course, and a bag with my lunchbox. I did not have my fair share of seats available and I had to take whatever was available. I sit down- crazy baglady status- with an older woman who has a sort of large rolling bag on the floor at what would be at my feet. I roll my eyes and sit down regardless, feet to the side. I hold all my bags on my lap, as there is no room at my feet. I whip out my train pass and shove it in the seat back in front of me and search for my book to take out and read. My morning was "rough" up until that point.

Before I could take out my book the woman asked if I worked in Boston. Great, a conversation with someone before I had a sip of coffee. We get to talking, and Lord knows I cannot not talk to someone. We make small talk about the weather and traffic. Long story short, I find out this woman is 78 years old (she barely looks 70) and is on her way from Lowell to Jamaica Plain to visit her son. I get so interested in hearing about other people's lives and questioning them that I find out her son was hit in a cross walk five years ago and is now a quadriplegic. He is 44 and lives alone with the help of some assistants. Yeah, that big bag at my feet was some of his laundry that she took home to do for him.

We talked the entire ride into Boston and parted with a simple "it was nice talking to you." But for me, it was more than just nice to talk to her. Thinking back, I was so upset with myself for having a "bad" morning, especially after putting things into perspective. I hate how quick I am to judge others.

Traffic sucks. Bad hair days suck. Missing trains sucks.

But imagine your life changing in an instant. This 44 year old chef lost his independence, his job, and many of his friends and his girlfriend. When things like this happen, you can tell a lot about a person. I cherish my friends and they mean so much to me. I could not imagine EVER not losing a friendship because of something like this. He is still mentally 100% even if he does not have the same physical capabilities that he used to.

I thought a lot about this man and his mother ever since I had the conversation on the train. And I am sure I will continue to think about them. With any luck, I will learn to have patience with myself and others. That was probably the one of the best morning wake ups I have ever had. And all that before my cup o joe.