One of the things that happens to you when you get older is, you morph into a philosopher. I spend a lot of time in my vehicle thinking about life and what its meaning is. I have satellite radio and invariably I hear a song from my youth. Sometimes those memories are happy, and other times it’s the mental equivalent of stubbing your toe on the way to the bathroom at 2 am. That’s when anyone driving beside me hear’s a primal scream, followed by, “What an idiot I was!” As you drive to your important destinations, I can’t believe I’m the only one that frets over the foolish things I wasted my time and energies on; and sometimes still do. I’m presently in the midst of a two-month sabbatical. While everyone else is rushing off to do important things at a frenetic pace, my choices are; reading, nap, writing, or nap. It’s like retirement without the Ben Gay. I came across the following philosophical piece on what life is like. I know not who the author is, but I commend him or her on a perspective I share.

The Train of Life
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At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side; however, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.
As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum.
Others will go so unnoticed that we do not realize that they vacated their seats.
This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down.
So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.
I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life.
Reap success and give lots of love.

More importantly, thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.