Borealis
The Borealis Amtrak train from Chicago to St. Paul has become my favorite way to travel between those cities, and it is very reasonable at only $41 each way. I drive to my daughter’s near Chicago and spend a day or two with my grandsons; then she drives me to catch the commuter train to Chicago’s Union Station, and I wait for the Borealis to take me to Union Depot in St. Paul. Traveling like this, I get to see all eight of my grandchildren, as the other six live in Minnesota. What a joy!
On my most recent trip, when my daughter dropped me off at the commuter station she yelled: "Be safe, I love you Mom!" That brought tears to my eyes as I waved back. A young man then helped me get my suitcase on the train and suggested that I sit near him in case I needed help while traveling., for which I complimented him on being so very kind.
As the train pulled into Chicago, a woman, about my daughter’s age, came up to me and asked if she could help me get off the train with my luggage. Although I told her I thought I would be fine, she said it would be an honor to help me because she had witnessed my daughter telling me to be safe and that she loved me, which reminded her of her relationship with her mom who had recently died. She wanted to help me in remembrance of her mom.
That was Valentine's Day, the fifth anniversary of when my sister was disconnected from life support. It all brought tears to my eyes, and I told her that of course she could help me. She not only helped me off the train with my luggage, but she walked with me to the Great Hall and found me a seat where I could wait until my train was called. She asked if I needed anything to eat and drink, and then went on her way to work. What a kind and gracious soul!
All this helped me remember that God created us for community and not for independence.
Romans 12:4-5, 10, & 13: For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Practice hospitality.
