Train ride

Monday, 6:29 am

By Kate

Jul

18

2005

The lad is off to meet his Dad in Boston this morning. He had to catch the train at 6:45 and he was still in bed at 6:00. My alarm went off and I stumbled my way into his room to wake him. That’s never an easy proposition. He sleeps like a log. I’ve often said, without a great deal of exaggeration, that he could sleep through a bedside twenty-one gun salute.

So he was finally ready to go at 6:30, and I still had to stop at the ATM for train fare. One of the objects of riding the train is lower stress levels than one experiences by driving into Boston. Mine weren’t low this morning and I wasn’t even riding on the train. The thought of missing the train and explaining to the Dad why he was standing on the platform at North Station with no kid wasn’t the most appealing early morning thought.

And of course, we had to drive the entire length of the town behind the pokiest person on the road. But we more or less managed it. Pulled into the station along with the train.

Now, the Dad had told the lad, last night, be sure to be early so you can buy your ticket at the station. Otherwise the conductor will hassle you in a big loud voice. By the time we got to the platform, we thought for about 2 seconds before deciding there wasn’t enough time to get a ticket. The station was yet another fairly long walk away and there just no way. So, he’s on his way and I hope the conductor doesn’t give him too hard of a time. On the other hand, if the conductor does give him a hard time, I’ll bet that tomorrow, when we repeat this routine, he’ll be early.

I did note, though, that the other people getting on the train looked serene. They had their passes or tickets. They had their newspapers, laptops, books...whatever...and their ride into the city would be relaxed and stress-free. They even smiled at each other, something you’re not likely to see on the roads into Boston in the AM. Made me wonder why more people aren’t riding the train in the morning. Arriving in the city in a peaceful state sure seems like a better way to start the day than arriving with one’s entire body coiled like a tight spring.