I am an Engineer on the Empire Builder

From the cab of his idling locomotive, Greg watched as the crowd mingled among the snow flakes as his passengers departed at the Fargo, North Dakota station. Since Christmas had arrived, over two hours earlier, snow had been falling steadily.
Back in the coach car, George the car attendant, slammed the door shut as the train began to move. He couldn't help but notice the woman who had just boarded. The short, dark haired woman, had deep dark eyes and the smile of an angle. Her long hair hair hung loose over her shoulders and down the front of coat. She was carrying a bundled baby up the stairs following her six year old son. George pointed the boy down the aisle and said, “sixth row back.”
The young boy counted out loud, putting his hand on the back of each seat as he passed. “one – two – three – four- five – six.”
With a smile he said loudly, “Here mama?”
The woman gently put her finger to her lips and replied softly,”sssh, yes that's right, good job, you sit on the inside next to the window.”
The boy crawled over the seat and plopped himself down as the woman unwrapped her baby and sat down beside the boy. Reaching over, she unzipped the boy's coat and pulled it off of his shoulders. He squirmed out of the arms and twisted to allow his mother to take it off of his back.
The woman said gently, “You sit and watch out the window until I get settled here.” She then took off her own coat off, rolled both coats and stuffed them above in the compartment. Sitting back she took a deep breath and relaxed. It would be ten hours until they would get off.
Laura Shunt, her six year old son, Kyle, and the seven month old Shawna had traveled half the night from Wahpten, North Dakota to catch the train in Fargo. Now that they were aboard, Laura could relax and catch her breath before reaching Columbus, Wisconsin. where they were to catch the shuttle to Madison.
As she sat back in her seat and closed her eyes only one thing came into view. Christmas or no Christmas, she was going to Madison and was going to do everything in her power to give her son every chance in life that he deserved.
Beside her, Kyle had his face pressed to the window watching the night world fly by in the snow. Putting her hand gently on the young boy's head she whispered, “Kyle honey, you better sit back and try to get some sleep.”
Kyle turned away form the window and flopped back into the seat, “But mom, I'm not tired.”
“I know,” his mother whispered, “but close your eyes and maybe you'll fall asleep. Tomorrow will be a really long day.”
Without saying a word, Kyle closed his eyes. He was too excited to fall asleep, the entire world was passing by his window and he had to sleep. Life was not fair.
Reluctantly, he did close his eyes and let the childhood thoughts pass through his mind. The whistle sounded from the front of the train, bringing dreams of being an engineer into focus. How exciting it would be, up in that cab plowing through the snow, making all the cars stop for this speeding bullet flying down the tracks. Blowing the horn at every road crossing, watching mothers and their small children waving along the tracks as he passed by. Sitting tall in his seat, he'd wave and blow that horn once more, just a small toot for the kids. Oh what a life, driving that locomotive into the mountains, through the great tunnels and along the great rivers flowing out to the sea. He'd be the best railway driver in the country. All the other kids and adults would look up to him, Kyle the Engineer.
The whistle blew again up front, but the young lad was dreaming of his life on the railroad.
As the train stopped at a station, the motion ceased, startling Laura awake. Shawna was sleeping gently on her lap, but there was a small whimpering cry from along side her, She leaned over and put her hand on Kyle's forehead and asked softly, “What's wrong, honey?”
The six year old sobbed softly, “I hurt. My back and legs hurt.”
“What can I do to make it better?” the mother asked
“I just want to lay down.” Kyle whimpered.
“Here,” Laura said as she rearranged herself and the baby, “lay down across my lap and see if that helps.”
The young boy leaned over and put his head on his mother's lap while she gently stroked his head. Kissing his fore head she whispered, “Is that better?”
“Yes, I think so,” came the soft reply from her lap. Laura continued stroking her son's head as she leaned her head back in her seat. “Thank God Shawna is being good,” she thought as she let out a sigh.
Soon the motion of the train resumed and the rocking lulled the boy and his mother back into sleep.
The snow in the headlights became lighter as the train continued on it's eastward course. They had outrun the Alberta Clipper and were now at the leading edge of the storm system's front. Soon the snow diminished all together. The scene quickly changed from surreal, white beauty, glistening sparkling white, to the dirty brown of the winter, waiting, and hoping, before being cleansed by mother natures paint brush.
St Cloud station gleamed in the winter night as the train pulled up the platform. The damp air sent chills through the departing passengers and crew. Greg backed out the door on the side of the cab and kicked the snow off of the rungs of the ladder as he descended. Reaching the ground he turned and looked down the platform to see Willie Herschaw striding toward him to take control of the Empire Builder, “Merry Christmas, Greg'” Willie called from ten feet away, “How are you doing on this fine Christmas morning?”
“I'm doing fine.” Greg replied, “Merry Christmas to you also. Just came through a bit of snow. Should be getting here shortly.”
“Don't matter to me,” Willie replied, “I'll be in Winona before you can break out your shovel.”
Willie pulled the train out of St Cloud and headed southeast toward the twin cities of St Paul and Minneapolis. Though there wasn't much traffic, he kept a close eye on the crossings, he didn't need to spoil some fool's Christmas by making mince meat out of him.
“I hurt, mom,” came the voice through the haze of sleep. With her motherly instincts kicking back in, Laura stroked her son's head. “What's wrong honey?”
“My legs hurt really bad.” came the voice again. Pretty soon there was the soft sniffling of tears being held back from public attention.
“Oh honey, I'm sorry, I was asleep. What can I do to make it better for you?” Laura asked her son with the compassion of a mother.
Now the crying began in earnest, “ I-I can't stand it. Mom they hurt. Please make it go away.”
Laura reached down rearranged the baby on her chest and put her arm under her son's arm and gently lifted him onto her lap.
“Sssh” she said, hugging him tightly, “if mommy could make it go away I would. I just can't honey, I just can't. Maybe this new doctor can help. Just be strong until then,.think of what an engineer would do if he was driving a train and he hurt”
“I'm trying to mommy, I just can't. I think I'd have to stop and let someone else drive,” the boy replied between sniffles.
The tears now came to her own eyes as the compassionate mother comforted, “Mommy loves you, I would do anything to make it go away.”
Sniffling she wiped her nose on her shoulder. “I'm not helping the poor guy by crying, I've got to get him through this.” she thought. She wiped her nose again and hugged Kyle once again. He was still crying but softer now. Laura picked up her son's head to see his face. Wiping his eyes with her finger she said, “Maybe it would help to lay down flat like you do at home in the living room. Come on, let me see if we can find a spot to lay down.”
As Kyle crawled off of her lap, she stood and gathered their coats from the overhead compartment, pushed Shawna back up on her shoulder, took Kyle by the hand and started down the aisle. She came to the Sleeper car, descended the stairs where she thought maybe the vestibule wouldn't be so busy and would work. Laying the coats as a makeshift bed, she told Kyle to lay down and asked if it helped. Nodding up and down he said, “yes I think so.”
Laura sat down cross legged at his head and leaned against the bulkhead of the car. Across the space, the heater kicked out plenty of heat so it wasn't too cold for the youngster, but being close to the ground, the track noise was considerable, the floor was hard, and the lights bright. It was far from comfortable, right now she didn't have a choice and her own feelings were secondary.
Soon Kyle was asleep but now the baby was fusing. A loud sigh came from Laura. “Oh Shawna, you've been so good,” she whispered, Momma hasn't taken care of you like she should. I'll make it up some day, I promise.”
Laura rocked the baby gently, grabbed a towel from her pocket and lifted her sweat shirt to offer her breast to the hungry mouth. When the baby was finished she burped the child and began to rock back and forth to comfort herself and the child.
Soon the track noise and the motion brought sleep to the youngest member of her family. Laura unfortunately couldn't find the right spot to be comfortable enough to fall asleep. The miles ticked by on this not so Merry Christmas morning.
Rachael Goers couldn't ignore her bladder any longer, the rocking of the top bunk would soon push her over the edge. She rolled over, fumbled with the safety harness on the edge of the bed, stuck her legs over the side and gingerly crawled down to the main floor. Unlocking the cabin door, she peered out to make sure the coast was clear before heading down the aisle to the restroom. The cold floor, the rocking of the train and the bright lights, combined for a shocking experience just to relieve her bladder. More than once she rebuked herself for that last cup of tea. In the bright light of the vestibule she noticed a woman sitting with her back against the wall of the car. Not thinking too clearly, she just opened the bathroom door, entered , locked the door, did her business, and returned to the hallway. More awake now, she realized something didn't seem right with the scene. The sleepy woman walked gingerly down the hallway and approached the young mother sitting on the floor.
“Are you OK?” Rachael asked politely, noticing the boy stretched out on the makeshift bed.
The woman replied tiredly, “Yes and no, my son is sick and can't sit in the seats of the coach. I think he's more comfortable to be stretched out.”
“God, he looks so uncomfortable, and you don't have any place to sit.” Rachael said. “What can I do?”
Laura replied, “I don't know, we'll be all right.”
“No, you can't stay like this. It's not right. I'll tell you what, let me go and wake my husband. You can share our room and beds. My husband is in a wheelchair so can't get out of the bed, but if you or your son wouldn't mind, you can share. Give me a second, Ill be right back,” Rachael instructed. She then quickly turned and headed back down the hall to the room at end of the car.
Laura just sat still with her head in her hands and the baby sleeping on her lap.
Waking her husband, Steve, Rachael asked, “Do you mind if we share our room with a girl and her kids. They look like they really need some help. Get up and put this shirt on. There is a young boy that needs to lay out on the bed. You can share.”
Shaking off the sleep, Steve rolled over and pulled himself to a sitting position. Scooting himself back to the padded back wall, he put his arms through the long sleeve tee shirt his wife had thrown at him and pulled it down over his belly.
“What's the problem?” Steve asked.
“I don't know, but they need some help. Don't be selfish.” Rachael replied
“I'm not” Steve responded, “I was just asking.”
After setting the assorted bags aside, Rachael passed back through the sliding door and back down the hall.
“Come on down and look to see if this would make things more comfortable.” Rachael said to Laura.
Pulling herself to a standing position, her bones cracked loudly, Laura looked quickly at her sleeping son, rearranged Shawna on her shoulder, turned, and walked unsteadily down the hallway, following the tall dark haired woman.
“You don't need to do this.” Laura exclaimed.
“Don't worry about it, See if this will work.” Rachael replied
As Laura reached the end of the hall, she poked her head into the room and noticed a middle aged man with a graying beard sitting up in the bed “Hi,” she said.
Laura looked around the room and took stock of the accommodations, there was a bunk just below the window stretching the length of the room, above, at eye level, was another fold down bunk with a safety net dangling from the ceiling. On the opposite side of the car was a sink and what looked like a toilet, That side of the room was full various pieces of luggage and bags. The man said politely, “Come on in, my name is Steve and I don't know if my wife introduced herself yet, but that's Rachael.”
“Nice to meet you, it is so nice of you to offer to share your room with us,” the young woman replied.
“My name is Laura, out there on the floor is my son Kyle,” gesturing to the baby in her arms she continued, “here is my youngest, Shawna. Are you sure you want to do this? We'll try and be quiet so we don't disturb you”
Rachael, who had positioned herself away from the door by sitting on one of the suitcases replied, “Don't worry about it, it is not a problem. What do you need?”
Laura looked around and said, “Kyle needs to stretch out and lay down. I can sit on the floor and Shawna doesn't really care.”
Steve smiled and responded, “You will not sit on the floor. There is plenty of room, If you don't mind Kyle can sleep down by my feet. I'll stay sitting up, Rachael can sit by me, and you can have the top bunk.”
“Thanks, but I can't take your bunk, I wouldn't feel right. I am younger, Rachael can sleep and I'll just sit down here.” Laura directed.
“We'll see,” Rachael said, “go and get Kyle so he gets off of that cold floor. Do you need help?”
“No thanks, I'll be right back,” Laura said as she turned and walked down the hall to wake up her son.
Within a minute the mother and semi-sleepwalking boy came through the door. Rachael reached over and pulled up a red wool blanket revealing the blue acrylic Amtrak blanket beneath. “Here, you just lie down right here, I'll cover you up.” Rachael explained to the boy.
“Mom?” the youngster whimpered.
“It's OK honey, I'll be sitting right beside you. These nice people are letting us share their room.” The gentle mother reassured her son.
“Thank you,” the boy replied half croaking, as he crawled onto the bed and stretched himself out with his head against the end of the car.
Laura asked her son, “does that make you feel better?”
Rachael gently floated the blanket over the boy and tucked the edges around his slender delicate body.
“Yes” came a muffled reply from beneath the blankets.
“Good, you can get some sleep now, don't worry about a thing,” Laura comforted her son.
Rachael cleared off the seat of the wheelchair sitting next to the bed and motioned for the mother to sit down. Pulling here feet up onto the footrests she sat forward on her elbows and took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
Willie, the engineer came to a stop at the familiar blue and white, St. Paul station and it's covered platforms. He pulled to the end of the platform and stopped the train. Now he could take a break, since they wouldn't leave for twenty minutes.
Back in the Sleeper car, Steve asked the young mother, Where are you heading?”
“Columbus, Wisconsin,” came the reply, “You?”
“Were getting off two stations sooner, in Wisconsin Dells.” Rachael said, “Where are you from?”
“We're from Wahpten Northth Dakota,” Laura replied and then told about her life, growing up in South Dakota, on a grain farm, going to school in Fargo for Nursing and her rotation in Minneapolis. She then went on explaining how she met her husband and moved to Wahpeten, North Dakota. Now, after her second child, it seemed, things had fallen apart. She explained how she caught her husband having an affair, tried to make amends, which failed, and now kicked him out of the house. On top of all this Kyle suddenly came up with this gene malfunction. She told of all the trips to the doctors, who couldn't find answers, the endless tests on poor Kyle and the many sleepless nights between that first appointment and tonight.
With the listening ears, it just seemed such a decompression to let it all out She continued to explain how, if it hadn't been for her aunt, she would not have been able to afford this trip. And in fact, her ex-husband-to-be's parents even chipped in some money. After fifteen minutes of releasing all the pent up feelings and emotions, the young dark eyed woman sat back in the wheelchair and sighed
Steve smiled and asked, the young woman, “Why are you going to Columbus?”
Laura's face changed slightly from matter of fact to sad, she then began slowly, “We are on our way to Madison. Our only hope is in one of the doctors at the University Hospital there
I originally planned on driving but the only thing that helps Kyle's pain. is to stretch out. His body is fighting itself, so he has a lot of pain. Also, he just loves trains and dreams of being an engineer. I thought it might be the last time he would get a chance to ride a real train. ”
“Oh no,” Rachael exclaimed, “How old is he?”
“He just turned six in October,” Laura replied, “It was only two weeks later we started the testing. We've spent almost two months running from one test and doctor to another. I am really hoping we can do something here.”
Rachael added, “That's too bad, Where are you staying in Madison?”
“Well, first off I'm staying at a Ramada Inn. They are picking me up at the station in Columbus. After that, I am going to try get a room somewhere so I don't have to take a taxi across town.”, Laura said
Steve asked, “When is your appointment?
The young woman responded, “The 27th at eleven fifteen.”
Steve then looked at his wife and half asked half stated, “Why don't we have Laura and the kids stay at our house. She can use the van to get back and forth. Or since we are both off all week, we can take her and the kids down.”
Laura looked puzzled at the offer and how this whole scene evolved. The older couple recognized the bewilderment and picked up the conversation. Rachael going first, “We have a large house with three bedrooms upstairs that we don't use. There is also a bathroom on the second floor. It would be like an apartment without a kitchen. We would love to have you stay.”
Steve added, laughing, “We probably never told you where we live, so you're wondering what we are talking about. Well we live in Mauston Wisconsin about an hour and a half north of Madison. We both went to school in Madison and Rachael worked there for years. I actually did my rehab at the UW Hospital way back when. We really would like to help. Besides you are talking to a huge rail fan. I or we, could give Kyle a really great Christmas. I have a model railroad layout, a miniature railroad museum in my office, and we only live a hundred yards from the Canadian Pacific mainline, you couldn't ask for more”
Rachael rolled her eyes and said light heartedly, “I'm not sure you'd want to expose your son to a railroad nut.” she then said, “But seriously, you guys spent Christmas eve on the road. You can't spend Christmas night in a motel. You will stay at our house, at least tonight and tomorrow night.” Rachael said sternly, “We will make sure you, and your kids, have the best Christmas ever. Then we'll take you to Madison and get you set up at the Ronald McDonald House if you want.”
Laura was still in shock and said meekly, “Are you sure? I don't want to impose.”
Steve replied quickly, “You are not imposing, We would think of it as a Christmas gift.”
Turning to Laura Rachael said, “Do you think you might stay?”
“If you really don't mind, I think Kyle would really like it, and to be honest, I could use a break myself. I don't want to put you out. I can pay you for what a hotel would cost, and for food.” Laura said politely.
Rachael replied with no uncertainty in her voice.”You will not pay us a cent. This will be our Christmas treat, and beside it doesn't cost us anything to have you stay. You are welcome as long as like.”
“Thanks, What do I do about the tickets and hotel reservations?” Laura asked, wondering aloud. With the force and honesty of the older couple, Laura was accepting Steve and Rachael as parent figures. With the fatigue and stress of the past several months, she was relaxing her brain and allowing some decisions to be made by someone else. It felt good.
“Don''t worry,” Steve said, “The conductor will let you get off early, and it is still early so you can probably cancel the hotel without penalty. Give them a call.”
The young woman shook her head and smiled, “I'll give it a shot, I can;'t lose anything by calling. Will my phone work from the train?”
Steve replied, “It should, mine does.”
Laura handed Shawna to Rachael, who gladly accepted the infant, and began shuffling through the fanny pack around her waist. As she dug, she thanked the older couple saying, “You guys don't have to do this. I can stay in Madison, But I do know that Kyle will enjoy having some sort of Christmas.” The woman found the paper she was looking for and her mobile phone. Stepping back through the door she walked to the middle of the car and made her phone calls.
Willie watched as the passengers strolled up and down the platform in the damp December air. Nothing seemed to cut through a body like the cold wind blowing around the buildings of a city. The open country wind blew hard and cut like a knife, but the city wind twisted and turned as it followed the streets and picked up the moisture and grime of the alleys. This wind acted more like sandpaper on your body, rasping, getting under your cloths, up your pant legs and down your neck as it scraped at your body, sucking the warmth out little by little. The hint of snow was in the air and the grime of the rail yard beckoned for a fresh coat to renew it's vitality. The engineer just waited and soon the conductor came on the radio and called for the two blasts of the horn signaling the “All Aboard” The platform cleared and as the the “Highball Amtrak” sounded, Amtrak 8 pulled out of St Paul, the first few flakes of snow drifted down on the city that was the home of the Empire Builder.
As the train came down the hill it began following the Mississippi river. They would not leave sight of the historic transportation artery for almost three hours.
As Laura returned to the compartment she smiled and said, “The hotel said it was no problem. Now we just have to talk to the conductor.”
The train crossed the switch entering the Canadian Pacific rails causing the car to jump slightly and sway. Kyle blinked his eyes several times rolled over and asked, “Mommy?”
Laura replied gently without even thinking, “Right here honey.”
The young boy sat up and looked around briefly asking, “Where are we?”
'These people are kind enough to share their room with us.” Laura told her son, “This is Rachael and Steve.”
“No, I mean where are we outside?” Kyle asked impatiently as he crawled forward to see out the large window.
Laura raised her eyebrows in question, Steve noticed and quickly responded, “We are just south of the Twin Cities. You can see the Mississippi River right over there.”
Laura said to Kyle, “Be careful don't hurt Steve's legs. He can't feel anything, don't move around too much, you might hurt him.”
Steve replied to both the young boy and his mother, “I'll be OK, He's pretty light. But thanks.”
Turning back to Kyle Laura asked, “Steve and Rachael invited us to their house for Christmas. Your appointment isn't until Tuesday so we don't have to be in Madison until then. Would you like to stay with them? Steve knows a lot about trains and even has a model train set.”
Looking apprehensively at his mother the boy asked, “Really/”
“Yes, They have extra room and are willing to share. They live right along the railroad tracks and you could sit and watch trains all day.” the mother comforted, making the sell to the child. Deep in her heart she really didn't look forward to the hotel. The thought of staying in a real home, with friendly people, just sounded good at this point.
“Can I play with the train set?” Kyle asked, pondering the situation.
Steve answered before the mother could speak, “You sure can, It isn't just a train set I'll have you know,” Steve said teasing, “it's a layout with lots of trees, houses, a barn and tiny people..”
“Really?” the boy asked again, “I can run the train? How fast does it go? I want to be an engineer when I grow up.”
Steve smiled and shaking his head said, “Yes you can run the train, It can go pretty fast but a good engineer will make it go slow so it doesn't come off of the tracks and get wrecked. We'll get you running that train like a real engineer in no time.”
Laura smiled at Steve and realized that the deal was cinched. Asking Kyle, “What do you say? Do you want to stay there until Tuesday?”
“Sure, if I can play with the trains.” came a quick response.
“Now honey, there will be more to do than play with the trains, You'll help Rachael and Steve around the house too. Right?” Laura told Kyle in her motherly tone.
As his face fell Kyle responded, “I suppose so, Do engineers have to help around the house?”
Steve replied with a smile, “Engineers have homes and wives, They certainly have to help. But we won't make you do too much. I'll help you learn all about trains and engineers.”
Laura interrupted, teaching, “Steve is in a wheelchair so we'll all need to learn what to do to help, and we must make sure we are respectful of both of them. Right?”
“OK mom,” Kyle said looking at Steve and then at his mother asking, “Where is his wheelchair? How did he get into bed?”
“I'm sitting in his chair, and he hopped into bed like you do.” Laura instructed.
“Can I sit in it?” the boy asked as he recognized the chair beneath his mother.
“No., you just stay where you are. It is not a toy.” the mother said firmly.
Kyle looked disappointed but quickly returned to looking out the window at the passing scenery.
Willie watched the parallel steel rails stretching out in front of him. These are the the lifeline of the country he thought. Not the same artery that existed in the early part of the 20th century but still an important artery all the same. Out in the distance a bright light appeared on the horizon. A freight was approaching on the parallel track. The priority freight was heading north and as it blasted past, there seemed to be an endless string of auto racks trailing behind. Friendly competition, the automobile pulled the passengers away from the railroad and the railroad delivers more cars to the lot. Just a business.
Willie waved to the freight engineer and kept his eyes on the signal light ahead,. it remained green so the seasoned engineer kept the throttle up as he rumbled across the switch, and headed south toward Red Wing, Minnesota. Off to the left, the river was a mosaic of ice and open water.
“Hey you guys mind if I turn on the scanner and see what's happening out there?.” Steve asked excitedly. Rachael shook her head in disgust, but said “Go ahead, Kyle would like to know what things are like on the railroad. But keep it quiet so you don't disturb everyone.”
The bearded man reached forward and picked up what looked like an over-sized walkie talkie. Sticking out the top of the black radio was a rubber antenna, on the front a small display and some buttons. Steve turned a knob on the top and leaned forward to talk to Kyle. “This is a radio scanner. I can listen to what the engineer and other railroad people are saying”. Just then there was a burst of static and some voices saying. “CP 4350 to Amtrak 8, You're looking good”
Kyle's eyes lit up. “Who is that?” he asked.
“Wait,” Steve instructed,
“Thanks 4350, your flashing red back here, Amtrak out”
Steve quickly explained to Kyle, “That was the engineer of the passing freight telling the engineer of our train that everything looked good as he passed us.”
“Wow, Mommy we can hear the engineers,” the boy exclaimed.
In a couple of minutes the scanner came alive again
“Amtrak portable to the head end”
“Go ahead portable” came the reply
“I'll spot the seventh car Amtrak”
“Roger, Amtrak out”
“Portable out”
The scanner was quiet. Steve said to Kyle. “That was our engineer and the conductor. The conductor told the engineer where he wanted him to stop he train in Red Wing. They will be stopping the seventh car in front of the station.”
“Why can't we hear them now?” Kyle asked impatiently.
'They aren't talking on their radios. Wait until we get to the station and there will be more chatter.” Steve instructed.
Soon the train reached the Red Wing station. Kyle was glued to the scanner, reminiscent of the golden age of radio, where the children just stared at the glowing dial of the crackling squawk boxes.
As the train slowed, the scanner came alive once again with the familiar, “Three cars Amtrak, “Two Cars Amtrak” and finally the “That'll do Amtrak.”
With each burst of he scanner, the older man explained, and child listened, to the working of a passenger railroad. Soon the consist was back up to track speed heading toward Winona, Minnesota and the final crew change.
After eating breakfast, Steve and Rachael asked if they could have some privacy to get dressed and get ready for the day. Laura and her family took the occasion to walk back up to their coach seats and gather up all of their belongings.
Upon their return to the lower level cabin, they found the door open, the lower bunk neatly converted into two booth-type seats with Steve sitting in the seat closest the door looking out the window. Kyle was the first through the door as he ran and hopped onto the seat opposite the older man, sat forward and glued his eyes to the window.
“Anything happen?” the boy asked referring to the radio.
“No, pretty quiet,” Steve replied.
Rachael, who was rearranging the luggage on the floor, stood up, yawned and announced, “If you guys don't mind, I am going to take a nap.”
“Go ahead,” Steve replied, “We've got a few hours before getting off.”
Laura who was standing in the doorway, with Shawna over her shoulder said, “Don't stay upon account of us, I don't mind.”
Rachael climbed up onto the top bunk and laid down. Steve instructed Laura, “come in and sit down. I am not going to get up into my chair until we get to Sparta. If I get up for a while it seems to lessen some of the vertigo when we get off.”
As the short dark haired woman sat down next to her son, she asked Steve, “Where are we at?”
Steve responded, “Between Red Wing and Winona. A little more than two hours until we get off. I am looking forward to having you stay at our house for Christmas. I hope you like it and things go well.”
“We are so glad you are willing to share. It sure beats a hotel room on Christmas night. I can't think of any place more depressing. Maybe it will help get my mind off of the next few days also.” The woman answered as she shifted the baby from one shoulder to the other.
Willie pulled the train into the station at Winona right on schedule. Gathering his papers and stuffing them into the black briefcase he had practically worn out, he grabbed his empty Thermos and opened the cab door. Looking out the door he spotted Rich Johnson approaching on the platform. Smiling he called out, “Hiya Rich, Merry Christmas. How do you like it that I brought number eight in on time.”
The short blond haired, slightly built Rich Johnson replied with a smile, “Hey Willie, Merry Christmas. Don't try and tell me you were 100 percent responsible for getting here on time. I've seen the mainline and it sure isn't very crowded today. But I am happy, maybe I'll get home to the old lady and kids for a bit of Christmas cheer this afternoon. You know when you got a tool like mine, the old lady needs some of it every night.”
Willie groaned and slung it right back, “You ain't got nothing, Last week when I was doing your old lady, she told me she wished you were half as good as me.”
Rich slapped Willie on the back and responded, “You wish you could have my old lady, Shit you wouldn't know what end was up. She'd have your pecker tied in knots before she was through.”
Willie responded quickly, “So that's why your dick is so short, you've got a knot in it.”
Both men laughed heartedly as Rich climbed into the cab. “You have a Merry Christmas, Willie, I'll see you on the return.” Rich exclaimed warmly.
Willie waved and said, “Same to you, Give Linda and the kids my regards.”
Rich and Willie had known each other for over ten years now, each time they exchanged shift, the banter was pretty much the same. Always bragging about each other's manhood. In reality both were as loyal to their wives as a greyhound to it's master. But in the railroad circle, talk is king.
As soon as Rich received the “Highball” he headed the train out of the station and down river to LaCrosse.. He wanted to make sure he arrived home in time to help his wife make Christmas supper. He hoped the five hours would fly by and the shift would be over before he knew it.
Back in the Sleeper car, Steve helped the young, budding engineer learn some more of the basics of railroading. Not wanting to destroy the poor child's dreams, he left out the reality of the long hours away from home, the waiting at the signals and the dangers of heavy equipment.
The scanner remained quiet as the rail traffic was light and things were going smoothly. Soon the rocking of the car had Kyle's eyes drooping and his head bobbing. Laura put her arm out and drew him to her side. Within minutes he was asleep.
Steve reached forward and turned off the scanner. Laura smiled thankfully.
Steve asked in a whisper, “Are you going back right after the appointment?”
Laura whispered back, “I don't know, depends on what the doctor says. I don't have a return ticket. Things are up in the air.”
“Steve replied softly, “You must be exhausted, make sure you rest when you get to our house. We can help take care of some things for you. Rachael is a pro at these kind of things. You make sure you maintain your health for Kyle.”
“Thanks, I will,” she responded, “I don't know what I would ever do if this doesn't work, He is so precious, it is not fair for him to be sick, and not me.”
Steve remained silent as the young mother continued, “I've always tried to be the best mom I could. Now I feel like I am failing. There is nothing I can do.
With a smile, the fatherly figure reached out and put his hand on hers, “You are doing more than most other mothers, you've sacrificed everything right now to make this trip. A poor mother would have given up hope, stayed in her comfortable home and hoped for the best. You are out here doing the best you can for your son.”
There were now tears in Laura's eyes as she said “Thanks, All I hope is that this is all worth it.”
“It is worth it,” Steve exclaimed, “No matter what the outcome, it is worth it, you gave him the best opportunity you can. It is now out of your hands.”
Wiping her eyes Laura said, “Don't make it sound so final, Maybe there is more I can still do.”
Steve replied, “Oh don't get me wrong, see what the doctor says. If there is more to do, please share some of the burden with us. You can't continue alone.”
“Thanks, You two are too kind,” the mother replied.
Steve wiped a tear from his own eye, leaned forward and hugged the young woman as she burst into a full fledged cry. Rocking forward, he patted her gently on the back saying, “We'll help do whatever we can. You just take it easy and relax for now.”
Letting go and sitting back, both people sniffled and wiped their eyes. Now was not the time for more conversation so they let the wheels sing and the car rock. Christmas was here and things were going to be OK.
The room remained quiet until the train stopped at the approach to the Mississippi River bridge. In a minute, the motion resumed and the car clanked and rumbled across the swing bridge that the old Milwaukee Road built so many years ago. After crossing a second bridge, which crossed the Black River, the Empire Builder entered Wisconsin, and the city of LaCrosse.
The change in motion from the bridge crossing and the station stop proved too much for the sleeping child. Blinking his eyes he squirmed out from under his mother's arm and returned to watching out the window
Steve reached forward turning the scanner back on saying, “We are in Wisconsin, One more hour until we get off.”
With a sound of disappointment the youngster said, “So soon, I missed so much.”
“They'll be lot's more.” his mother confided.
“I dreamed again that I was an engineer,” Kyle said happily, “I was driving the Empire Builder, You and Daddy were riding and I got to show you what a good driver I was, I didn't go too fast, so I made sure the train stayed on the tracks. We passed lots of other trains and went through lots of cities. My legs were hurting but I kept driving, finally we got to a big city where a doctor made the pain go away. He reached down and put a machine on my legs and they got better. Then I got back in my engine and drove home. I could really become an engineer, right Steve?”
With a tear in his eye he leaned forward and grabbed a black baseball cap with a bright orange bill and florescent orange BNSF lettering. Steve asked Laura politely, “If you don't mind a used hat,”
Sensing what was going on she smiled and shook her head yes.
Steve then placed the hat on the young boy's head. Falling forward the too large hat covered the boy's eyes, he quickly pushed it back with his left hand.
Steve then said, “Since you are such a good engineer, you can have this cap. This is a real BNSF hat that real engineers wear. Your mom can tighten it up for you, and you can wear it whenever you feel like driving a locomotive.”
The boy's eyes lit up and sparkled with joy. If his mouth smiled any wider Steve thought his face would split, “Really, this is a real engineer's cap?
“Yes, I bought it from the railroad, where their employees buy their things.” Steve replied
The mother kicked in and Laura asked her son, “What do you tell Steve? Why don't you give Steve a hug” Laura said
The small boy bounced forward, practically jumping on the man's lap. He wrapped his thin arms around his neck and gave a great bear hug, “Thank you Uncle Steve!” the boy exclaimed, “I'll take really good care of it and won't loose it.”
Smiling, Steve replied, “I know you will, My you've got the hug of a bear.”
Quickly the boy slid back losing his hat in the process. He picked it up immediately and handed it to his mother instructing her to tighten it up so it wouldn't fall off.
Laura unpacked some lunch for herself and Kyle while she and Steve were talking, The sandwich and cookies disappeared quickly and soon Shawna decided it was time for her lunch also.
The scanner picked up intensity as the dispatcher began putting Amtrak into the siding to allow an empty coal train to pass. Kyle listened intently as Steve explained how Amtrak has priority over freight trains, and that if possible the dispatcher should put the freights in the siding, and allow Amtrak to pass. This is not always possible since some trains are too long for the closest siding and the dispatchers main job is to keep the railroad running. It wouldn't do anyone any good to have a coal train or Amtrak back up for miles to find a suitable siding.
The passenger train stopped and in a few minutes the roar and whoosh of the passing train flashed by the window.
As the motion of the train resumed there was a noise from the top bunk. Rachael asked sleepily, “Where are we?”
“We are almost to Sparta, You'd better get up.”
Soon one leg flopped down over the side of the upper bunk, followed by another. Steve reached over and grabbed one foot and guided it to the step alongside the door. Rachael quickly stepped down and rubbed her eyes, “Come on” she said, “let's get you up.”
Steve slid himself over to the edge of the seat while Rachael positioned the wheelchair alongside. Reaching behind him and grabbing his belt, she counted to three and helped pull the man into his chair.
Laura, said, “It looks like you guys really have a system there, How long have you been in a chair? if you don't mind me asking.”
“I've been in a chair for 23 years. Steve said as he wiggled himself back in the seat . Then continued saying “I don't mind telling people about it. I was in an automobile accident and broke my neck.”
“Wow, you are certainly doing well. What level are you?” Laura asked.
Steve replied, “I am a C-5 - C-6 complete.” referring to the vertebrae in his neck where his spinal cord was severed.
“You are a quad then,” Laura continued, “You don't look like a quadriplegic.”
Steve replied smiling, “Thanks, I guess, I'm wired screwy, I am technically a quad since I can't move my fingers, though I do have full use of my arms.”
Laura replied, “In nursing school, I worked a rotation at Sister Kenny Rehab Center in the Twin Cities. I got to know quite a few spinal cord patients. You certainly do all right for your self.”
“Rachael helps a lot,” Steve replied, “ She keeps me in line.”
Rachael laughed from her seat across the room, “He does most everything himself, but he can be a pain in the ass once in a while,” she joked. “Did you ask the the conductor about your tickets?”
“No. Do you think I need to?” Laura replied.
“It probably wouldn't hurt. It will help keep their records straight.”Steve said.
Rachael instructed Steve to push the yellow call button behind him. In a few minutes George appeared in the doorway. As Rachael explained the situation, George realized that this was a situation for the conductor, and it would be best to have him come up to the room. Excusing himself, the car attendant promised that he would be right back.
Soon a short man in a dark blue suit and blue conductor hat knocked on the door and announced that he was the conductor and would be happy to help.
Rachael got up and walked through the door and asked the conductor to follow to the center of the car. After a brief conversation the conductor came back and asked for Laura and Kyle's tickets. After brief examination he handed them back and told them everything was clear and they would be getting off in Wisconsin Dells.
As the conductor turned and left the room, the scanner crackled and came alive, “Amtrak portable to the head end.”
“Go ahead” came the reply
“Rich, can you give me a call on the cell?” the conductor asked
“Sure, Amtrak out.” the engineer responded
Kyle looked at Steve with a puzzled look and asked what that meant.
Steve shrugged his shoulders, replied that he didn't know and that there must be something confidential going on.
Two minutes later the conductor appeared at the doorway once again saying, “Mam can I speak to you in private?”
Laura became noticeably alarmed and replied, “Of course.”
She then stood up, handed the baby to Rachael, and followed the conductor down the hall. Kyle watched intently as his mother disappeared through the door. As quickly as she departed she appeared, this time with a smile on her face and a tear in her eye.
Grabbing her son's coat, she instructed the boy to get ready as they were going to get off at the next stop. First, he had better use the bathroom, then she would put on his coat.
With his face fallen, and a sad look in his eye, the youngster sniffled, “The trip is over already?”
“Not quite, but we are getting off.” Laura responded, as she led the boy down the hall and opened the bathroom door. “Hurry up in there, We don't have much time.”
Steve looked at Rachael in disbelief, Why were they getting off? This was Tomah, Wisconsin Dells wasn't until the next stop, forty minutes away.
Rachael looked back at Steve and said firmly, “Don't ask, and don't say a word.”
“But,” Steve started, but the look from his wife put an end to his sentence. He would keep quiet.
Shortly the conductor appeared once more. “You ready Mam?”
Laura shook her head yes.
“We only have three minutes, so we'll have to make it quick.”
“OK what do you want me to do?” Laura asked
“You just follow me,” the conductor replied
The man then stepped over to the door, opened the window and stuck his head out, pressing the radio button on his shoulder, he spoke into the microphone, “Five cars, Amtrak – Four Amtrak” Waiting a few more seconds, he then continued, “ Two cars Amtrak – one more – That'll do when you get em stopped Amtrak. You ready Rich?”
The engineer replied quickly, “Let's do it.”
Quickly the conductor opened the large door, stepped out, and helped the woman and boy to the platform. “Follow me,” he said, as he turned and walked briskly toward the front of the train. As the trio approached, Rich, the engineer stuck his head out of the cab door.
“Mommy where are we going?” Kyle asked half running to keep up with his mother.
“Kyle, the engineer has agreed to let you look up in the engine. He doesn't have much time, so we have to hurry.” Laura replied half dragging the six year old down the platform.
Now the boy's legs sped up. Did he hear his mother right? Or was he dreaming? The closer they got to the engine the more real it became. He was going inside the engine, and for the first time in his life, would be a real engineer. His legs pumped harder, now he was actually passing his mother. Time was of essence, if he didn't hurry, he might wake up, and the dream would vanish. It did not. They reached the ladder of the locomotive, without a pause, the conductor reached under the small boy's arms and whisked him high in the air and right into the arms of the waiting engineer. In less than a second Kyle was transformed from a small frail child into a superhero locomotive engineer.
In shock, Kyle stood frozen in the middle of the brown cab. Unable to speak, he just looked at the computer screens under the front windshield and the levers on the desk in front of the engineer's chair.
“What da ya think, Buddy?” came a voice through the haze of shock. Blinking twice, he brought himself around, and located the source of the sound. Rich, the blond engineer was crouching along side, to be at eye level with the young boy, “You like trains Buddy?”
Just shaking his head up and down, Kyle croaked a soft “yes, I want to be an engineer”
“OK Buddy, we don't have much time, you stay right here.” Rich instructed, as he headed for the door and climbed down the ladder.
Kyle remained motionless, but gradually became aware of his surroundings as the numbing shock released his senses.
Soon the engineer climbed through the doorway and closed the door behind him. “You ready to drive, Buddy?” Rich asked
By now Kyle was fully free from the blanket of shock, embraced the situation, replied confidently, “Sure am.”
Rich sat down in in the engineer's seat and said, “Come on over and sit here on my lap. I'll show you how it's done.”
Kyle quickly crawled up on the man's lap and studied the controls and computer screen in front of him. “It looks like a video game.” the young boy exclaimed.
“Kinda,” the engineer agreed, pointing to the brown Tee handle, he explained the throttle, then the brakes, just as the 'Highball Amtrak” came over the radio.
Rich instructed Kyle to put his hand on the throttle and gently, placing his larger hand over the top, helped the young boy push the lever to notch one. The big diesels came alive and whined with anticipation to get up and go. In what seemed like eternity, but was actually only a second, the train started to move, Rich again helped the small hand move the throttle to notch two. More power behind them, more speed in front. Kyle was holding his breath in excitement, but now he had to take a breath. Notch three- now the trees began to blur as the passed the window. All the way up to notch six, Rich kept his hand over Kyle's. He removed his hand and said, “OK Buddy move it one more notch.”
Kyle gave a gentle push, the lever moved ahead and clicked into the next location. Rich, then said proudly, “let's sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Kyle settled back as he sat between Rich's legs in the seat of a full blown Amtrak Engine. Watching the trees, houses, barns and sheds fly by a 79 miles an hour, Kyle, pictured himself, carrying sick boys to be cured in faraway cities, bringing lonesome mothers to meet long lost daddies as he stopped at the stations. Here is where he belonged. He didn't need legs to carry him from place to place, not when he had this magnificent machine under his control. Those poor people waiting in those puney cars had to stop when he passed by. That is what power the engineer had. This is where he had to be.
He crossed a bridge over a small creek, no creek was going to stop him and this silver bullet, soon a headlight appeared in the distance, another freight, this one stopped in the siding, just to let him by. He flew by the freight locomotive, waving as he passed. Of course they would wait for him, he was the best engineer on the planet. No one could stop him from keeping his schedule. This is what made him Kyle, the Locomotive Engineer.
Rich broke into his dream, “You want to blow the horn?”
Since he was so entranced in throttling up the locomotive, the budding engineer didn't even notice that Rich was pushing the horn button at each grade crossing.
“Here push this button, I'll help. Two longs - one short - and a long, Remember that, two longs - a short - and then a long.”
Putting his hand over the button, Kyle pushed down. Above him, outside the cab, the powerful air horns erupted in their signature song. Rich said quickly, “OK, now again a long,”
Kyle pushed once more. Then a short and another long as they crossed the road in front of two stopped cars.
Kyle almost burst with pride. He could do it, he could be an engineer. Rich said quickly, “OK let's do it again, do you remember?”
“Yes, two longs - a short - and a long.” Kyle responded proudly.
“Start when we pass that white sign with the “W”, see it?”
Kyle spotted the sign and pushed the horn as he flew past the sign, Two longs - a short - and a last long.
“Good job Buddy, Do you know how fast we are going? Look there at the screen, 79 miles an hour. Now see that yellow sign ahead. That means we have to slow down to 69 miles an hour through this town. Let's pull the throttle back one notch. I'll keep track of the horn”
The young hand reached forward and gently pulled the throttle back. The diesels eased back on their strain and the train slowed a bit.
A few miles ahead a yellow signal displayed on the mast alongside the tracks.
In the trailing sleeper car, Laura fretted outside the door in the hallway, clearly worried about her son. Steve clipped the scanner to a front breast pocket on his coat and adjusted the volume.
The scanner then reported,”Yellow Flag Amtrak”
Soon the train began to slow, Again the scanner came alive, “CP Wisconsin dispatcher to Amtrak 8.”
“Go ahead dispatcher.” Rich answered
The dispatcher then gave the following instructions, “You are running a bit ahead of schedule so I am going to put you off to the side at Mile Creek. I am going to let priority 7003 go by.”
Rich answered, “OK dispatcher, Amtrak out.”
The dispatcher signed off, CP Wisconsin, dispatcher out.”
Steve wheeled out to the vestibule in the center of the car and announced to the two women that they were going to stop and wouldn't be getting off for a while. Soon the train slowed to a crawl, bounced over a switch and came to a stop. Rachael sat down on one of the bags and Laura just looked out the window in the door. Suddenly the scanner came alive with a faint voice in the background, “You can go ahead and talk now.”
Then suddenly a loud voice came on, “Mommy I'm an engineer, I'm driving.”
The radio quickly silenced.
The three people waiting to depart, looked at each other, burst into laughter and then just as suddenly came the tears. All three reached out for each other and combined into a group hug.
An odd lot they were, a young woman carrying a baby, a man in a wheelchair and a tall dark haired woman wrapped in a convoluted hug. All with tears of sadness and joy flowing freely down their cheeks.
The train jerked slightly as it once again came into motion. A passing freight whooshed by.
Slowly the train made it's way toward the end of the siding where it would merge with the mainline and continue east. The three entwined passengers had visions of the courageous, six year old boy, sitting in the engineer's chair, controlling the six thousand horse power locomotives as they delivered the world's most precious cargo. This was a Christmas never to be duplicated
Kyle watched intently as the freight passed and his train approached the end of the siding, Fearful they would proceed too fast and hit the passing freight, he told Rich to keep it slow. Smiling, Rich replied, “OK Buddy, notch it back one more.”
Kyle quickly grabbed the throttle and pulled it back so the train slowed back down. Suddenly the last double stack car whizzed by. The passing freight was gone.
“Wait for the light to turn green,” Rich instructed
In a few seconds, the red light blacked and the green appeared. Rich instructed the new engineer, “When I push the radio button you say Green Flag Amtrak. Got that?”
Shaking his head yes he counted one-two-three. Rich pushed the radio button and Kyle said loudly, “Green flag, Amtrak”
Rich released the button and told Kyle to notch up the throttle.
Feeling back in control of the rushing locomotives, Kyle was again flying. Across the highways, through the towns and over the bridges, the silver bullet was flying. He knew how proud his mom was going to be of him. He could drive the train and keep it on the tracks. In a few minutes, Rich informed Kyle that the trip was coming to an end. Turning a bit sideways he moved his leg to allow the boy to slip off the seat and stand in the middle of the cab.
As he slowed the train to a stop at the brick station in Wisconsin Dells, Rich, turned and lifted his dark blue Amtrak Engineer hat off of it's hook. Removing the BNSF hat from the boy's head, he placed the Amtrak hat proudly on the boy.
“You are now an Amtrak engineer, Buddy, This BNSF hat is for freight hauling, You are a passenger engineer.”
He stood up, walked to the far side of the cab and opened the door. As the conductor stood underneath, Rich swung the boy out and down into the conductor's arms. In a continuous motion he placed the boy firmly on the ground.
Handing her baby to Rachael, Laura threw her luggage aside and ran the length of the train. Her young son hit the ground running toward his mother. The two met at the end of the second locomotive. The woman bent slightly as the young boy made a flying leap into her open arms, the Amtrak hat flying to the ground. Spinning half to absorb the force of the flying leap and half in excitement, she danced, hugging, crying and laughing, “You did wonderful, I heard you on the radio. Honey I am so proud of you.”
Kyle just hugged his mother, pulled his head back and said, “my hat, get my hat.”
Rich had climbed down and walked to the reunited family. Picking up his hat and placing it on the boy's head, he told Laura, “He did wonderful. Good luck, I have a seven year old at home, I can't imagine. Here is my card, let me know how things work out.”
Turning to Kyle, still in her arms, she said, “What do you say?”
“Thank you,” Kyle said, as the engineer turned and walked back to his waiting train, hiding a tear, he climbed back up the ladder and continued his duties. He may have to face disciplinary charges tomorrow, but today he made a young boy's life more memorable.
Laura set the boy back on the ground as they started back toward the waiting, Steve and Rachael.
Just as they reached the waiting couple, Amtrak 8 pulled out of the station, when all that was left was the flashing red light in the distance, Kyle announced proudly.
“I am the Engineer on the Empire Builder”