Spaceships, Trains, and Grandpa Tony
It's Wednesday night, one night after the highly divisive 2016 Presidential election. I've had trouble getting to sleep these past two nights thinking of the positive actions I can take. Tonight I finally have fallen into a deep sleep. I have no idea what time it is, but it's early morning because it's still dark.
I'm awakened to a sound so loud that my house, my bed, and my body are all shaking in unison. What a lovely harmony! I'm a bit freaked out. "The aliens are coming to take me away!" "The aliens are coming to wipe us out for electing Trump!" Those were my immediate Mulder thoughts, as inane as they may be.
I'm brought back to Earth by the sound of a train whistle. Whew! Just a train. The loudest train I've ever heard, but a train nonetheless. I've grown up and lived about a mile from train tracks my entire life and I've never heard a train like that. It got me to wondering what the hell that train was transporting. Large trucks, tanks maybe? That was the only conclusion I could come to.
Hearing trains, inevitably my Grandpa Tony comes to mind. Every time I heard the whistle of a train I think of him. He collected Lionel train sets and was a true passion of his. After his passing, these trains stayed in the family as a constant reminder of the man.
It's Veterans Day as of this writing so I'm doubly reminded of him and his courage and toughness. Although I believe we should honor our veterans every day, it's still good to recognize their sacrifice. Though recognition is not enough as so many vets are severely disabled physically and mentally. The high suicide rate highlighted by the 22Kill organization must also be addressed more effectively. I realize this blog has gotten a little off track.
After contemplating, maybe my grandpa was speaking to me from beyond the grave, expressing his anger. Maybe it was a message that I need to finally take action to create something positive in this society. It's a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be. We can work together to make a positive change in this world, regardless of who is running things. If Trump has done anything he's shown that many of us want things to change. Being divided or violently acting out solves nothing. Gandhi and MLK preached nonviolent protest and that seems to be lacking these days. We can do better, and I believe we will.
I'm awakened to a sound so loud that my house, my bed, and my body are all shaking in unison. What a lovely harmony! I'm a bit freaked out. "The aliens are coming to take me away!" "The aliens are coming to wipe us out for electing Trump!" Those were my immediate Mulder thoughts, as inane as they may be.
I'm brought back to Earth by the sound of a train whistle. Whew! Just a train. The loudest train I've ever heard, but a train nonetheless. I've grown up and lived about a mile from train tracks my entire life and I've never heard a train like that. It got me to wondering what the hell that train was transporting. Large trucks, tanks maybe? That was the only conclusion I could come to.
Hearing trains, inevitably my Grandpa Tony comes to mind. Every time I heard the whistle of a train I think of him. He collected Lionel train sets and was a true passion of his. After his passing, these trains stayed in the family as a constant reminder of the man.
It's Veterans Day as of this writing so I'm doubly reminded of him and his courage and toughness. Although I believe we should honor our veterans every day, it's still good to recognize their sacrifice. Though recognition is not enough as so many vets are severely disabled physically and mentally. The high suicide rate highlighted by the 22Kill organization must also be addressed more effectively. I realize this blog has gotten a little off track.
After contemplating, maybe my grandpa was speaking to me from beyond the grave, expressing his anger. Maybe it was a message that I need to finally take action to create something positive in this society. It's a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be. We can work together to make a positive change in this world, regardless of who is running things. If Trump has done anything he's shown that many of us want things to change. Being divided or violently acting out solves nothing. Gandhi and MLK preached nonviolent protest and that seems to be lacking these days. We can do better, and I believe we will.
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