Kinship at the Curve

When Nathan and I named our firstborn Thomas, we had in mind the apostle. We didn’t think for a minute about a blue steam engine that talked with a British accent. But folks who know us at all know about Thomas and his trains. Railroad enthusiast would not be a strong enough description.

As a parent, I’ve wondered about his infatuation a lot. His dad loved trains, so his interest makes sense, but I wonder about whether this train passion will flourish as he grows. Is it a phase? It’s hard to tell, but today I had a glimpse of what could become of his love of all things train.

We began the tradition of "adventure days" today. A friend shared with me this great idea of planning an adventure and not telling the kids where we were going ahead of time. When we arrived in Altoona, Pennsylvania at the Railroad Museum, Thomas leapt out of the car. No doubt… he was thrilled. Even better, a trip to the famous Horseshoe Curve.

When we arrived at the curve, there was a teenage boy next to the fence where you can watch the trains. He had a tripod set up, a camera around his neck. Though he was dressed  in shorts and a t-shirt like an “ordinary” teenager, I could tell this guy meant business. After a train came by, he started up a conversation with us and I was mesmerized. It was like time travel, perhaps a glimpse of a teenage Thomas. This young man was talking about paint schemes on locomotives, what engines were retired and when, when the next mixed freight should come around the curve. Wow… this guy was really into trains. And yes, that’s what he does on the weekends, especially in the summer. He goes around and watches trains, takes videos and pictures. I overheard his grandparents talking at the picnic table nearby and they, too, are into trains. They seemed very proud of their grandson’s passion.

I don’t know much about heritage units and 4-4-0s and the like, but I was moved at the ease with which Thomas talked with this stranger. Although  he struggles with meeting new people some of the time, a common interest encouraged him to share. The older and younger boy had a common passion, much I like I have with other church musicians. It’s about being with others who get you, who understand what makes you tick.

I don’t know where Thomas’s train passion will take him. He mentioned before bedtime that he wants to go back to the curve and pack breakfast, lunch and dinner and watch trains all day. “Sure, “ I said. “We’ll go back.”