Publish 15 July 2021
Kevin RR Williams
All Aboard
When each of us is born, we begin a 3000-mile train ride to the length of our mortality. Many disembark early but the goal is to reach the end in a first-class cabin. During the first 600 miles, we are wide-eyed tourists snapping pictures of the adventure.
Most of ignore an apparent huckster that offers boarding passes to extend our ride. This early point our destination seems to hold out endless possibilities. Through higher education we become virtual experts in geography and we dine on available delicacies.
At stops along the way, other passengers board the train. By 800 miles into our journey, we look forward to meeting another passenger in the dining car. With our new traveling companion we may marry, decorate our cabin, have children, and teach them geography on this transcontinental life ride.
We occasionally get sick, recover, and set new goals. The ultimate destination still seems many miles away as we pass the 1800-mile marker. We now vacillate over the requirements for the mysterious end-of-line boarding pass.
Prepare For Next Stop
At 2200 miles, it becomes difficult to ignore the inevitable destination. In retrospect, the ride now seems short. By 2500 miles, the valuable education, experiences, and accomplishments will soon lose their value. Everything we acquire remains on the train for new passengers to discard or enjoy on the train’s new destination.
Advancing closer to 3000 miles, we ask, Is there anything more to accomplish on this train? Does another boarding pass seem like a foolhardy investment?
Through substance abuse or risky life choices, many people end their ride early. An individual can pursue a literal life of death in professions like a mortician, medical examiner, or surgeon. To philosophers, such contemplation bodes an existential crisis or dread.
The years pass. We view popular movie stars from the silver screen era who are no longer with us. Relatives and contemporaries with careers in technology and finance are disembarking the figurative train.
It is evident that each of us—no matter how smart or talented—will also exit. To live life without reflection on this eventuality is folly. As you gaze out the window wherever you are on this journey, what are your plans while living? The choices you make, physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually affect how you feel when approaching your destination.
