*Random Thoughts for my son Christopher.....

Today I visited three old friends. I play on the word old, for these are friends who have weathered the seasons like me and upon whom the sun has shone harsh and cruel on this side of the globe.

It is always interesting to see where the passage of time finds everyone on the long road of life. In speaking of the long road of life, I liken the journey to that of a train ride. Consider for a moment a long train ride- at the end of which and along the way, there are so many things to see and discover; to enjoy and reflect on; to experience and remember. There are so many stations where one may get off the train and pause on that journey but, the decision to continue the journey rests with the passenger.

We are at the station now. The engine snorts and grunts unable to contain its steam. There is a vibrant hustle and bustle on the station, as scores of people from all occupations stand poised to make the incredible journey. Most of us get on that train excited about what the prospects are going to be-eager to take a window seat and marvel at what unfolds. However, some are unwilling to board- trapped in their own fears of journeys-long and short- of distances from the comfort of known friends, family and places. A few get on with some encouragement. The whistle bows and the train departs in a wail of man and machine. On the platform, those that stand still know that they have been left behind. The Superfast Express train that follows has limited stops and life gets busier on that train as it hurtles forward in a bid to catch up on precious time. The reluctant walk home with even harder choices ahead.

Some that got on the train find that the rattle of the engine unnerving. The rhythmic embrace of wheel and track makes them anxious passengers. After the very first station they say, "This journey is going to be too long for me. Perhaps I will get off and catch another train later." A few that get off do resume their journey.For those that do not, there is much comfort that they made it to where they did.

We are on the train now! Amidst the friendly chatter, we gaze at the at the undulating landscape, marvel at the verdant green picturesque horizon and quiz each other about names of people, iconic places, and strange flora and fauna that dot the landscape. The life-tripper ticket like the 'Day tripper' in NSW permits you to use your ticket across multiple platforms to reach the terminal station. So we get off at different stations, breathe for a while, tour the land experience the myriad joyful and sorrowful mysteries of each stop and board again. We get older and wiser. We see, hear, feel, touch, and are touched by our varied experiences.

Experiences hone our judgement: Refining us, reshaping us and mounding our hearts and minds (hopefully) with positive energy to last the time of our journey.

Someone in the crowd throws a curly question? What is life like at the terminal station? Is there anything more that I will get to see? Is there a brochure I could read?

An older traveller responds gently- “There is no SINGLE brochure for this one. There are those that made their own but they were different people and while all past brochures are on display, no single brochure is the right one alone. You too will make your own by the end of this journey.

The passengers are reflective now. The journey has made most reflective about what they would like to see, they deliberate on where they would like to invest the wealth (*pun intended) they possess and seem selective about their choices.



We are almost there! I am looking at the map now. I read over my diary and map out all my experiences. I look back at the distant horizon upon whose mysterious seamless border the sun set in different hues. I am on the other side of that distant horizon. I look back on my journey and thank those that helped me reach my final destination!