The Train.

I went on the train last night to the LG Arena, it was two trains there and two trains back. Then suddenly I remembered!

Until about 15 years ago I had a fear of always been on the wrong train! There was no logic to my fear.

When I was younger & put on the train to Preston, the adult with me and I too knew it was the right train, for we could see on the 'TV' that it was due at that time and the correct platform, that it wasn't delayed or cancelled.

While waiting on the platform I would ask the person next to me, “Is this next train going to Preston? That was when I was older, and bolder to speak. They always said, “Yes” but who are they? They don't work here, how would they know? So then I would ask a member of the station staff, the same question. But that still wasn't enough, so when I got on the train, I asked before I sat down, “Is this train going to Preston?” The answer was always the same, “Yes”

But fear is FEAR!

Silly really.

My Auntie would meet me at Preston station and then we would wait for the other train that would then take us to her home, she would always talk when something IMPORTANT was been announced! “Oh no! What was it they said, that I had just missed!” Whatever it was it didn't help calm.

It made any difference where I was going and if I was with my Auntie, best friend or a group of us, nothing would calm my fear.

When I'd been to my Auntie's for the week, she would come ON the train (which didn't help calm me) what would happen if the train started to move with her still on it!!!!! She would find me a nice seat and make sure my bags are tucked in the between seats section or on top, above my head, she was SO calm and confident, and me a bundle of nerves! She would always send me off home with a healthy pack lunch; but how could I enjoy, eat it and relax? Eventually as it was such a long journey I would eat it.

I remember one year, the train was packed, so my Auntie said I should stay in First Class as there were seats there, that was where she put me, it didn't feel 'right' and when the ticket Inspector came, he asked me to move to second class, it was such a struggle with my bags and people watching me, I felt SO embarrassed.

I would NEVER sleep, on a train, what if I missed my stop?

I don't remember when the fear went, maybe I realized it would not be the end of the world, to be on the wrong train, and I've never been on the wrong train.

So last night I was able to enjoy the journey there, even when we missed the last train home and BUS because of a very long delay on the Birmingham international train, so after getting some cash from the 'hole in the wall' we got a take home.