Boy on the Red Line

Riding home tonight, I saw a family of three get on the L at the Jackson stop. They were all dressed in mismatched clothing and poorly groomed. The mother looked as if she was a heroin addict, and the father had a similar appearance. The boy who looked to be around seven although disheveled, was a handsome lad.

The mother took the seat in front of me, and the father and son sat directly behind me. I mainly paid attention to the mother as she was in my line of sight. I noticed that when we made the stop at Harrison that she stood up and looked confused as to her whereabouts. The father growled at her to sit down, she then took a seat to my left. She was holding a plastic bag in her hand that seem to hold a bottle of pop and some cigarettes among other items. She clutched it as if her life depended upon it. I noticed that other passengers were looking at her in a puzzled fashion, as well as a looks of disdain. 

When I got up from my seat to stand by the doors to wait to exit at Roosevelt, I looked at the young boy. He had a smile on his face, but he had a lost look in his eyes when he looked me. It broke my heart to see such a young life already exposed to the obviously cruel side of life.  I couldn't help but feel pity for him. What it must be like to be him can only be imagined. He made me reflect on my own youth. Realizing that although I wasn't happy much of my childhood, I had two parents that loved me and did the best they could with raising me, I can say thankfully they were never abusive or derelict. I was flooded with a sense of gratitude as I exited the train. I then felt compelled to say a silent prayer for that little boy. 

Life isn't fair, but when I think of how much worse so many people in the world have it. I feel a bit guilty for complaining about my own troubles. I don't know if my observations were correct about that little boy. For all I know he's quite happy. But I know this much, I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's today. I have it really good. I have family and friends that love me and support me. I have it so well. And the thing is I have taken it for granted far too many times.

As you go to bed tonight, reflect upon your own life and think of what you can be grateful for. I know I will...