My season on the rails ended at the end of September. The move back to Denver was uneventful. With the exception of needing to get rid of many of my clothes to make room for the souvenirs I had purchased. Alaska has some fabulous socks and I felt the need to have them all.

To be honest, the end of the season seemed sudden. One day it was July and I wondered if I would make it through the season. Then it was over. I anticipated having time in Denver to catch up on my writing. But life happens and I had to work. So this post will close last year’s rail chapter.

In October, we both applied to work on the rails again this summer. When I had my interview, the interviewer asked how my fall had been. We chatted briefly. Then he said, “Of course you are hired”.

Wow. Validation for a job well done! Do you know how long I have waited for this in my lifetime!?

A very long time!

I’m a middle child. Diagnosed late in life with ADHD, which I always knew I had. So my journey has definitely been more like a motocross race than a pleasant hike. Many detours. Several falls and dead ends. Crashes galore.

I equate my working on the rails experience with running away with the circus. I found myself there. It was where I learned to love myself. Where I found how much I love serving people. I’m wickedly funny and when people laugh, it feeds my humor. When given the microphone, I had this confidence that I never have had before. And the words and jokes flowed! I grew immensely as a person. I am so proud of me!

I laugh to myself how my parents aren’t here to see my success. Of course (dark humor for the win). Growing up was a chorus of “Why can’t you be……” and that continued when I was an adult.

We all have our gifts. I don’t fault my parents for their thinking. It was a different time in the world. My Dad was Air Force and my Mom worked a desk job. So both were very punctual and schedule driven.

I am a last minute, chaotic breath of fresh air. Often flying in the door with seconds to spare. But I’ve made friends with this. It’s often where creativity lies. (Note that it’s March and I’m now writing the final piece of my summer of 2024. Procrastination and still learning time management!).

Towards the end of their lives, my parents understood me a bit more. Perhaps they had more grace for my craziness. Having proved that I could function in society. Albeit like a tornado.

My Dad loved trains. We lived next door to a retired Union Pacific Engineer. My Dad would’ve bragged about me, I am sure. I like to think that somehow they know my accomplishment. After all, God is good, all the time.

As we prepare to head to Alaska for another season, I am going boldly. Knowing my worth.

I will still feel sadness of leaving my dog and my family behind. But I know I’ll return.

I hope you’ll join me for my second season on the rails! It promises to be even better than the last! So make sure to subscribe!

I will also be on various social media outlets. I will post those at the beginning of the season.

Thank you to all who have encouraged. Letting me know how much you enjoy reading my blog. This girl is thankful for that!

And remember, I’m bringing back YOLO!

(PS I am going to be timely about my posting too and promise to not leave you hanging.)