The most cherished possession I've had since my early teenage years is a wind-up train, specifically an O scale model of the Union Pacific M10000 locomotive. This unique train, which was in operation from 1934 to 1941, holds a special place in my heart and the memories attached to it. It's not just a train; it's a connection to my father's past, and a symbol of a world where trains were the backbone of transportation.
The Train: A Historical Gem
The Union Pacific M10000, known for its futuristic design and sheer power, was an engineering marvel of the 1930s. It began its journey in 1934, designed to showcase the cutting-edge technology of that era. The actual train had a top speed of 110 miles per hour, or 177 kilometers per hour, making it a sight to behold. What sets the M10000 apart is its innovative design, which utilized shared Jacobs bogies to reduce weight, allowing the train to operate as a single, integrated unit rather than as a separable locomotive and cars. This was a significant engineering achievement, and it was powered by a single 600-horsepower 450 kW spark-ignited distillate-burning engine, which powered two traction motors.
The Photo and My Childhood Memories
The photo that symbolizes my cherished possession is of the train as it appeared during my father's childhood. I have a clear memory of my father winding up the train and running it around the tracks. This simple act of setting the train in motion brought back fond memories of my father's love for trains. When I was older, we built a model railroad together, running O-gauge or Lionel trains on plywood tracks. This activity served not only as a way to relive those memories but also as a profound bonding experience for the two of us. The train, then, is not just an object to me; it is a piece of history, a representation of a generational link, and a source of joy and nostalgia.
The Spiritual Significance
While the train is a tangible possession, my relationship with my higher self, or Source, has a similar significance to me. To me, it encompasses my relationship with God, the Great Spirit, the Holy Trinity, and the Soul that inhabits and operates through my body. This spiritual connection is the greatest wealth that I possess, guiding every thought and belief that shapes my life. I believe that as we think and believe, so our life becomes. From this perspective, the train is a tangible manifestation of the intangible essence that I value the most.
Other Cherished Possessions
While the wind-up train holds a special place in my heart, I do have other cherished possessions. For instance, my wife holds a significant place in my life, as does my brain, due to its ability to think and form memories over the past four decades. Additionally, there are memories that are truly priceless. These memories are mine and cannot be taken away, regardless of external circumstances. It is these memories that are foundational to my being and identity.
Unfortunately, there are also cherished possessions that are lost and that, if returned, would mean the world to me. For example, before my sister made the decision to give an important memento to my nephew, it was a bullet my father had dug out of the deck of his ship after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The significance of this bullet is profound; it is a physical link to a time and a person that shaped my family's history. Had it not been given away, it would have been a piece of my father's cherished memory.
Ultimately, the most cherished possession of my life may be the memories, the relationships, and the experiences that I continue to build and cherish. Each of these is a unique and irreplaceable asset that adds value to my life and guides my path.