Life is like a train ride. We get on, we ride and we get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy. Some will result in profound sorrow. When we are born we first board the train. We meet people whom we believe will be with us for the entire journey. These people are our parents. Sadly, this is far from the truth. They too have journeys they must complete.
We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship and guidance. There are others who board the train and also become very important to us. These people are our brothers, sisters and friends who we learn to love and cherish. Some people will encounter many upsets, tears, losses on their journey. Some fellow journeyers will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly they will scarcely leave a sign they were travelling along with you or ever crossed your path.
We will sometimes be upset that some passengers that we love will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Once sought out and found we may not even be able to sit next to them because that seat may already be taken. That’s okay; everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes and challenges, setbacks and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of it no matter what. The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. So sit back and enjoy the ride.
