The view from a train window serves as a gateway to treasured memories of familiar places or a portal to entirely new experiences
Embracing the Journey: Reflections on Train Travels and Life's Blessings
By C Naseer Ahmad
Washington, DC
Train journeys hold an endless fascination for me, an enchanting allure that captivates the soul. Unlike the swift, skyward-defying pace of air travel, often concluding with an abrupt return to earth, train rides invite us to savor every moment leisurely. Even as modern trains zip through landscapes at speeds their historical counterparts could only dream of, they retain the timeless joy of observing the world up close, gliding gracefully through varied terrains. Along the way, they unveil the majestic sweep of nature and the intimate charm of towns with their picturesque buildings, cozy homes, and lush gardens.
The view from a train window serves as a gateway to treasured memories of familiar places or a portal to entirely new experiences. Securing a window seat is essential for me as I strive to indulge my youthful spirit, which remains vibrant even as I approach my eighties. I fondly recall the thrill of being eleven, journeying with my mother and sisters from Kharian to Mailsi to visit my father, who worked on the Mailsi Siphon project—a cornerstone of the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.
When the Amtrak staff signaled the all-clear, my fellow travelers and I eagerly boarded the train bound for New York City. Enthusiasm, it seems, transcends age, with everyone radiating energy despite any physical discomfort. Yet, age has a gentle way of reminding us of its presence.
With a small roller bag in tow and a heavy backpack slung over my shoulders, I was surprised by the challenge of boarding a few railcar steps. It wasn't my muscles that slowed me down, but rather the sight of a woman struggling with her luggage. While my instinct was to assist her, wisdom prevailed—attempting a valiant act while managing my own burdens could lead to an unwelcome fall. In that moment, I realized that discretion is often the better part of valor.
On that sweltering day, I eagerly anticipated settling into my seat to relish the journey and soon meet my diplomatic friends, who were about to embark on an African adventure. As I checked my ticket and looked towards my seat, I found it occupied by the woman I had considered helping. Since the adjacent seat was vacant, I
chose to sit there temporarily. Just moments after our departure from Union Station, the conductor checked tickets and kindly informed the woman that she was not only in the wrong seat but also in the wrong compartment. Undeterred, she began sharing her life story with candor and eagerness to connect.
As I occasionally nodded, I watched the scenery unfold beyond my window. The woman spoke of her family, her parents' work in the textile industry, and her dreams of attending college—a dream left unfulfilled due to financial constraints. A glance at her revealed traces of youthful beauty that she soon confirmed, adding that her daughter inherited that loveliness. She often advised her daughter to be cautious of those who might exploit her beauty.
While attempting to catch glimpses of the passing landscape, I sensed fleeting moments of hardship and sadness etched in her eyes, though I might have been mistaken. Her narrative continued, detailing her determination to ensure her children received a college education, unlike herself. To achieve this, she balanced two jobs as a bookkeeper while running a seamstress business. Her husband, she lamented, did not share her aspirations and refused to contribute to their educational goals. She revealed the source of her pain—his infidelity, which led to their divorce. Now residing in an institution due to dementia, neither she nor her daughter wished to see him, though her sons occasionally visited.
By the time the conductor made a second round of ticket checks after Baltimore, he gently but firmly asked her to vacate my seat. Back in my rightful place, I resumed enjoying the scenery, reflecting on the poignant tale of a woman who refused to let life's hardships stifle her dreams. Her story left me pondering my own life, not in comparison or judgment, but as a reminder of the immense resilience people muster to craft better lives for themselves and their loved ones.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel deeply blessed to have the parents who brought me into this world. Education was their highest priority for their children, extended even to anyone who sought their help. Our home in Gulberg, Lahore resembled a dormitory, often hosting an auntie or two. In fact, my mother’s younger sister lived for two years in what would typically be a kitchen pantry, while she pursued her teacher training degree—all other living spaces were occupied by family members.
With this appreciation, whenever I wrote to my mother as a young student in the USA, I would include the prayer attributed to Solomon in the Qur’an:
‘My Lord, grant me the will and power to be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do such good works as would please Thee, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants.’ An-Naml (27:20)
