Look In Your Pocket!

Every month Martín’s parents took a trip to see Grandma and came home on the same train the next day.

One day the child said to his parents: ′′I'm already grown up.

Can I go to my grandma's alone?"

After a brief discussion, his parents accepted.

They stood with him as he waited for the train to exit.

They said goodbye to their son and gave him some tips through the window.

Martin repeated to them:

′′I know. I've been told this more than a thousand times."

As the train was about to leave, his father murmured in his ear:

′′Son if you feel bad or insecure, this is for you!"

And he put something in his pocket.

Now Martin was alone,

sitting on the train as he had wanted,

without his parents for the first time.

He was admiring the landscape out the window.

Around him some unknowns pushed themselves in.

They made a lot of noise.

They got in and out of the train car.

The conductor made some comments about him being alone.

One person looked at him with eyes of sadness.

Martin was feeling more uneasy with

every minute that passed.

And now he was scared.

He felt cornered and alone.

He put his head down, and

with tears in his eyes,

He remembered his dad had

Put something in his pocket.

Trembling, he searched for what his father had given him.

Upon finding the piece of paper he read it:

′′Son, I'm in the last train car!".

That's how life is,

We must let our kids go

We must let them try new things.

But we always like to be

In the last car, watching,

in case they are afraid

or in case they find obstacles and don’t know what to do.

We want to be close to them.

as long as we are still alive.

(Adapted from Unknown author)

I wish I could say that I am no longer in the last car, but I am! I don't really want to be. I didn't expect to be. It is exhausting most days, but I can't help but feel that our Father In Heaven is also exhausted because he is there with me and for me and for all my concerns. I believe he doesn't give up on me ... how can one person do all that for everyone? How can he endure that much pain and grief and sorrow and yes, hopefully JOY! So for my children and grandchildren look in your pocket ... He and I are in the last car and angels are seated around and beside you. This I believe!

I might add that I grew up in Canada and often would ride the train to my Grandparents farm near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and to my cousins in Dryden, Ontario and other places. I love train stations and old glamourous train hotels and trains and cars. I have never before thought of who is in the last car!