I feel silly for admitting this, but the train ride from Chicago to Pittsburgh was to be my longest train ride I've ever taken. Only to this date, that is.
I was nervous about the train ride, the length of it, whether or not I'd be able to sleep, and if I'd be comfortable enough. I was thankful to have Gabi as a traveling partner, she helped to ease my nerves, considering she's traveled by train more then I have.
We were in the lower level/handicap accessible car. This was the special car, for fat people, handicapped people, and people with disabilities. Well, my disability was that I couldn't fit up the stairway to the upper deck, because I was fat. Wooohoo! I decided that was a good enough reason to sit on the lower car.
Our other passengers were of various ages, with various reasons behind their choosing to sit in the lower level car. One passenger stuck out to me. The one that seemed the most deserving of this super awesome train car was a guy that seemed to be around my age. He hadn't said much, and was sitting in the first seat on the right side of the train. I had noticed him at the station in Chicago, because someone was assisting him with his baggage, and helping him walk to a seat. I wasn't too sure what was going on with him, but I wanted to find out.
When it comes to people who may seem out of the ordinary, instead of being turned off, like most 'normal' people, I become intrigued. I gain this insane desire to find out about every aspect of their life, to hear their stories, and to know what makes them tick. This guy, was one of those people.
I finally got some balls, and went over and sat next to him. I brought a container of pineapple and strawberries. I asked if he wanted to share, and he nodded yes. I introduced myself, and asked his name. It took me a few tries to understand what he had told me. Twas not his fault, but my own hearing. His name was Kohn.I asked him if the reason for his disability had to do with an accident after birth, and he said yes. He had been hit by a car while riding his bike 17 years ago, and survived. He is just as coherent as you or me, but trapped inside a body that doesn't respond the way it used to. I've known another person with this same crippling disorder. Unfortunately, my memories of him are not as good as my memories of Kohn.
Kohn and I shared fruit, I put it in his mouth, making it so that he could enjoy it a little faster than if he had to do it himself. I don't mind helping people, and I rather enjoyed seeing him smile as I placed the sweet fruit into his mouth. Kohn told me he was vegetarian, but only since January. Luckily, most of my train snacks were meat free, so I was able to share more food with him. We were able to talk and get to know each other, and I decided I liked him. He was my type of person. He is an author, has published one book: An Obsoleted Observance in the way These Things Are (A Change In Perspective) by Kohn Ashmore. I told him I would order his book once I returned home. I did, and I have read four chapters so far.
While I was sitting with Kohn, not even 40 minutes after we had left Chicago, the lights in the train went out. It seemed a bit abnormal, but we didn't seem to be in any danger, so I didn't pay too much attention to it. However, the women in the back row began to freak out, and thought we were going to derail, and die. They also seemed to freak out every time Kohn coughed or moved, and that bothered me.
Kohn was getting off the train in Toledo, OH, which also happened to be the smoke break for our train ride. I needed a cigarette, and got off the train with Kohn. We said our goodbyes, and hugged. I will be seeing him in a week when he is in Indianapolis.
After getting back on the train, another young guy came in to say hello. He was from Gabi's hometown, and he seemed a bit wired. We gave him some pills to help him sleep, and tossed him back out of the lower level car.
The rest of the ride to Pittsburgh was pretty quiet. I read my book, stared out the window at the lights, and finally fell into a light sleep for a few hours.
We were awaken not five minutes before the train arrived at the Pittsburgh station. I wish we'd had a little more notice.
We got into the station, and had a short layover. Enough time to use the bathroom a few times, and clean up a little bit. I changed back into day clothes, and washed my face, then touched up my makeup.
Shortly before 7am, we boarded the train to Lancaster. I was able to sleep for short intervals, and awoke about 2 hours before the train was to hit our destination. I got some cereal from the snack car, and watched the mountains, rivers, and country side roll by. It seemed like we were there in no time at all.
Now all I had to do was meet the person that made my trip possible.
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