September 3: Metropolitan Rail

Originally I was planning on living downtown where all of the other yuppies-in-training like to hang out. However, I am still in limbo and staying with my friend Josh in the far west suburbs. This means that I get to take the train downtown to the office every day. I have often told people that Americans don't take the train to work unless they live in NYC ro something. Granted, we do have a ton of cars in this city, but this Metra deal is pretty cool.

Nothing much going on at work this week. More details about the company dress code and managing our career. There was even a session telling us whom to call when we have that nervous breakdown a few months from now. Still, they let us out right at five and we all make a mad dash to catch that train or bus subway back home.

As I was rushing to the station tonight, an older woman called out to me at the crosswalk. "Can you help me across the street?" I thought it was some kind of scam or joke. It was just like out of a movie or something. After confirming her request and checking for any hidden motives, I agreed to lend a hand. I grabbed her arm and started to help her across the busy street.

"Thanks a lot," she said. "I fell down near here the other day." I noticed she did have some problem with her leg. The club foot thing was so twisted that I couldn't believe it was for real either. Still, I tried not to be too suspicious of some hidden scam. I made light conversation with her as we walked a couple blocks through the evening rush.

"What is your name?" Aaron. "Aaron, I am going to pray for you tonight." That is the last thing she said before she slipped into this big old church wedged between two skyscrapers of the Chicago downtown. I was a little thrown off by the whole encounter. It didn't inspire me to be "born again" or anything, but it put things in perspective a bit.

I have been reading a little on the train ride home each night. My nonfiction book about the last king of Hawaii and his trip around the world. The commuter train really is a beautiful thing. Sure it takes more than an hour to get home each night, but it personal time for me. I can sit back and think about my new life.



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