Just a few weeks back, our oldest, Natalie, asked us if she could take a train ride because she has only seen them and not been on one yet. Not like we avoided it – it just hadn’t happened yet! Then on a bright and sunny Saturday morning, we decided to check the commuter rail schedule and act on the request.
We live right near two commuter rail stations – one that we can walk to, and another a very short drive away (on different lines). Based on the train schedule, the station a short drive away was the winner. Our goal was to take the train into Boston, get lunch, and turn around. Simple. Easy. Fun. We packed up our stuff and headed over after a leisurely morning. As we were pulling into the parking garage at the Rt 128/University Ave commenter rail station – Ashley asked me what time the train arrived. I remember vividly and confidently stating 10:45. With a quick correction that the train departs the station at 10:40, I looked at my phone and it was 10:37. This is when the action started.
A lot of stuff had to go in our favor to make this train. We took a quick turn into a parking spot, and it happened to be in a super convenient location. Win #1. We pulled the kids out of the car as fast as possible, and I strapped Holly (our youngest) in a baby carrier to my chest. Somehow that all went smoothly. Win #2. After channeling my inner high school track spirit – all four of us started to sprint. For those who have not been to this train station, they have a few platforms and if you are on platform #2, you have to take the stairs up, around, and down. Well, loss #1 – we were on the second track.
As we turned the corner to go up the stairs you could hear and see the train start to pull into the station. At this moment, panic set in because we promised our kids an amazing day on the train. Loss #2. All the stairs and hallways are enclosed with glass, so we knew we at least had a fighting chance. With Holly on my chest, we sprinted up, over, and down as fast as possible. As the train finished unloading and continued to waive people out of my way – I heard an older gentleman yell at the bottom ‘Hold the door for the guy with the baby!’ At least I had someone on my side…
With Ashley and Natalie right behind us, I turned the corner and the train started to slowly pull away. Loss #3. With a face full of disappointment and Holly laughing because of the bumpy and super exciting ride, I made eye contact with the conductor at the end of the train. You can tell he felt bad for me and then unexpectedly he leaned his head to the left next to his walkie-talkie and requested the train to stop – and sure enough it did. Slightly out of breath, sweaty as can be, all four of us jumped on the train as we headed into the city. Win #3.
Now the best part is Natalie asked us if this is how you always get on a train. Once I caught my breath, I told her we wanted to make sure today was extra exciting for her.
After we strolled around the South End, got lunch at a favorite place of ours (Flour), we made sure we were a little early for the train home. It was quite an exciting day for what was supposed to be a pretty low-key trip.
Until next time…
