Toy Train/Lionel Nostalgia in the News

Thanks Allan,very touching article.

Very nice story. It's very hard when you lose some one close to you. God bless

A very good life lesson.

My story is quite the opposite of the one told to us in this article. I do however feel compassion and sorry at the same time what this young man and now adult has gone through.

 

In my case, I did not lose a Dad, I lost a son. But unlike the Dad described in the story, I made time for my son, trains, sports and a lot of quality time between the two of us. When he suddenly and without warning passed, I had no regrets that we did not do this or do that.

 

This story brings back memories for me, in a good way.

 

Thanks Allan for posting this article.

Interesting article but my experience was similar yet different at 16 since I lost my Mom at that age. I was the only one in my family who was into trains and we had a large layouts in the basement that started with trains from my Uncle Johnny. Unlike the Dad in the story, my Mom encouraged my hobby and took me to train and toy stores all over Long Island in my pursuit of trains until she was too ill to do so. She encouraged me adding to the layout and loved scenery and Lionel accessories. After she died, my trains helped me through the grieving process and today, 35 years later, I still have each and every one of those trains. They are my connection to people and times long gone, thanks Mom.

All the best,

Miketg

Best thread of the year.  We can ALL learn from the original article as well as the responses posted by our forum members. 

I feel for the author of this article.

 

Having just lost my dad a couple of weeks ago, I have been thinking a lot lately about how he was responsible for my love of trains, both real and 3-rail, because of the Christmas tree layouts we set up when I was young.  That time we spent setting up the trains is something I will always treasure.

 

Andy

That is a great article, Alan.  An excellent life lesson that just happens to include trains.  My dad never was into trains so my mom was my mentor and enabler.  She made me promise to never sell my first Lionel train set. If I didn't want it, be sure to give it to my son or grandsons.  I have it in my front hallway keeping my promise to my mom.  I have no idea if it still runs, but the memories of playing with it with my mom will never die.

 

Art

Thanks for that link.

I took 2 of my 3 grandkids to the Lego movie. It's not a great film but a very good film about Dad's and kids. And while my grandkids are well versed in model and real trains....this opened more doors as we dug out the 20 gallon box of Lego that we had from when our kids were small.

If it works for other things, and I think it can, all the better!!!!

With toy trains, you can go home again.

Reminds me of that Harry Chapin song (Cat's in the Cradle")......SO sad! 

There but for the grace of Ann Landers go I.  A lifelong newspaper reader, Ann's admonitions to readers that the window of opportunity is finite and we never know when it will close stuck with me. She concluded her reply to one reader's letter,

I have never heard of a man who said on his deathbed, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."

What, me worry?