Castlebar - County Mayo

Wee One

Once again…sitting on the Mayo train back to Dublin, after a relaxing weekend in Castlebar, I find my mind wandering. Musing about job hunting in Mayo, when will I be able to move out of Dublin, and live in Castlebar for good. For some unknown (or known) reasons, I had really fallen in love with this lovely, friendly little town. The great advantage about the Castlebar to Dublin journey is that you have loads of time to think and observe life, yourself and the world around you.

My thoughts were interrupted by a child, sitting near me, asking his Mom, if he could have some crisps. He was told to sit down, and not be bold. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Have we adults forgotten what it’s like to be a child, stuck on a train for hours? We know and understand the concept of time. Do the little ones as well, or is the journey endless to them? As they grow older, they being to realize that three to four hours are not a lifetime, but to a five or six year old, telling them that we will be there soon, could mean anything. He asks when will they get to Dublin.

“At nine forty-five”, his mom answers. Yeah right?!? That really made it absolutely crystal clear for the wee boy. Now he knows exactly how long the journey will last. How about coming down to his level Mom? Try thinking on his terms, and then answer his question. How does one answer a five year old’s question about time, you ask? Well, how about showing him your watch, point out where the hands will (or at least should) be when we arrive in Dublin. Draw him a picture of the watch or the number as they will show and for goodness sake…tell him it’s a long wait, so why doesn’t he draw some pictures or take a little nap. (No paper or crayons?? Shame on you Mom).

We adults are so caught up in our lives, we often forget the wee passenger we drag along, not only on the train, but on our life’s journey as well. They do not have much say in the matter. Remember the time when your wee one was born, or when he was tiny and oh so cute? How you promised yourself to protect him and raise him to the best of your ability?

People are always talking about having quality time with their kids. I would say, three to four hours of uninterrupted play with your wee one, could count for Quality?!? (Semi-uninterrupted ??? ticket control??).

You could get down to teaching him a new card game or read him one of Your favourite children stories. The choice is yours, Moms and Dads… Make the most of the time you have on the train. You will not believe how rewarding and short the journey will be for you as well - winners on both sides, I’d say ?!?