A visit ends. A journey begins.
London, ON, September 2010
There's a mournful moment when you drop someone off at the train station, then hang around trackside as the cars pull away and slowly clickety clack into the distance. There's no one left behind but you because, let's face it, nobody except you hangs around train stations to wave goodbye to friends and family who, by this point, can't even see you standing there.
But still, you stand there. Because before you turn around and walk back into the rest of the world, you realize it's good for the soul to pause in this now-quiet place. Because you don't always have to be in a rush to get somewhere when you find yourself in between chapters of your day, or your life. And even if you are, whatever it is that's waiting for you can wait just a little longer.
Because it can take a while for the train to completely disappear and for the clickety clack to fade from your ears. And how often do you get back here to enjoy the moment?
Your turn: Do you ever stop and think?
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7 comments:
I once followed a train across the prairies. It was a slow moving grain train on the way towards Lethbridge. I passed it once, and when I realized I could meet it again and get some photos I did. It took forever to pass but when it was long gone and the clacking on the rails was out of hearing range it was just me and the crickets. I always take the time to think and am regularly late getting places when I have a camera in hand. :)
Wonderful shot. :)
I'm always the one getting on the train, and I don't think it's easy on either side. I know every time my mom or sister drops me off at the depot, it always brings a rise in me and I get choked up. I'm grown and married, but will forever miss them as I watch them, while rolling away.
I stop and think more than ever these days, I'm studying in a Critical Thinking course!
I enjoyed reading your post today, it's cool that you wrote about chapters, that was my yesterdays blog.
Enjoy your day!
I really really loved this post and the photo with it, Carmi. Truly struck a chord with me.
Thank you.
It's uncanny that this post coincided with my mum's departure after having stayed with me for a rare and special couple of months. We only get to see each other once a year and since my whole family is scattered around the world, I am well accustomed to both joyous hellos and heavy-hearted goodbyes. Your description articulates the experience so well - there is a mournful moment, and after the tears have passed, lingering by the departure gate, there is a pause and a silent reflection.
Thank you for your comment by the way. I had been teetering on the edge of writing another post and your timely encouragement was just what I needed to "just do it." :)
Here in Ariaona, The Grand Canyon Railway is a lot of fun. This reminded me of my time on their remodeled train cars from the 1940's.
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