Wednesday, August 13, 2008

“Attention passengers…

we have hit a pedestrian.”

The conductor’s announcement over the train’s PA system was short, to the point and seemingly nonchalant.

Although with riding these trains for years, I recognized the impact of his statement, not only on us, the commuters, but on the train crew, especially the engineer, who witness it and have to deal with the aftermath.

There was no warning whistle blown or emergency braking applied, which lends me to think that the person jumped. But, as of this moment, I don’t know for sure.

The only things I know for sure are:

My 55 minute train commute into Chicago took 3 ½ hours;

Someone made a decision, either purposefully or accidentally, that cost them their life; and

A family received a horrific, life-altering call that will forever take a huge toll.

bless his/her soul

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was a 30 year old man who decided to end his time on earth. I wonder what could be so bad that he would decide this path. It's very sad indeed. It's amazing how some fight to live and some do not have the strength.

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

awful!! Just awful! I wish there was a way to make anyone that sad inside see that they do have worth.

awful.

Susan's Snippets said...

Thanks for the update Cindiloo!

Crusty - it is very sad...if only there was a way to reach every person who is in that desperate of a place before they do something permanent..leaving behind pain and grief.

with no relief

Liz Harrell said...

How horrible. May God bless his family.