My Baby Takes the Morning Train

When the babies were at their teeniest---before they even made their post-uterine debut---they were the recipients of unbounded generosity. Togs so immaculate they could scarcely be described as "hand-me-downs" came in droves...as did outgrown books, riding toys, baby-friendly fixtures and fittings of all kinds. The warm Welcome Wagon extended to Double Daddy and me as we joined the population of "parents" still overwhelms today.

One might believe the novelty, the newness, of that initial "it takes a village" mentality made manifest would be dulled---even de rigeur---with seven and a half years past. Not so.

Last week, we got a phone call from a dear friend, the father of two remarkable young men: the eldest in college, the youngest preparing to go in the fall. Seems he and his boys had a train set---surpassing Sodor, leaning Lionel---seeing no use, and occupying much space. Might Darren be interested in finagling a locale, and maybe lavishing a little love, upon the lonely locomotive?

Scott spent Sunday clearing adequate room in the basement. On Tuesday, the tracks and trains arrived at their new station.
The transaction was well-conducted (how could I resist that one?), with grinning gratitude. Looking forward to seeing the new engineer in action.