Chapter 1: A Delayed Journey

Sometimes, we need a moment to pause and reflect on our lives with gratitude.

Today, I decided to leave class early to catch the earlier train home. My boyfriend typically works from home and is usually available to pick me up, but today he had an important meeting right around the time I usually arrive.

Unfortunately, my Uber ride to the station got caught in heavy traffic, encountering two significant road closures along the way. For over ten minutes, we were barely moving.

As I stood directly underneath the train when it pulled up, I dashed up the staircase only to see it disappearing from view. I was infuriated—so close yet so far! After a stressful workday yesterday and a job rejection the day before, I felt like I was on a streak of bad luck.

Was I overreacting? Perhaps, but it certainly seemed like I was in the midst of a frustrating series of events.

It was Friday afternoon, and all I wanted was to get home in a reasonable time to unwind. Instead, I ended up waiting nearly an hour for the next train and then had to wait an additional two hours for my boyfriend to finish his meeting and pick me up.

While sitting alone in the waiting area, a man walked in, and the door's creak broke the silence. He was on a phone call that sounded heated.

He greeted me and sat down a bench away, which I appreciated as a small comfort. As a woman, my instincts kicked in; the station had felt deserted until he arrived.

Though I couldn’t catch every word, I could tell he was agitated, using profanity frequently. When he hung up, he turned to me and exclaimed, “people are motherf*****s.”

As our conversation progressed, my initial apprehension faded. Perhaps I had been too quick to judge him based on his anger.

After all, we all experience anger at times. I learned he hailed from Tennessee and had previously lived in New Jersey. Following the death of his fiancée in 2019, he moved away to pursue a music career, realizing how fleeting life can be after losing her and his sister.

He also shared that he had battled colon cancer two decades ago and emerged victorious. When he asked about my life, I mentioned my aspiration to become a teacher, to which he replied that his sister had been a wonderful educator.

Most of our discussion revolved around the issue of homelessness in the U.S., particularly how it’s more severe in New Jersey and New York compared to Tennessee. He pointed out that in Tennessee, churches provide shelter for the homeless, while in New Jersey and New York, many people simply ignore their existence.

His perspective resonated with me. It’s true that many people often avert their eyes from those in need, despite expressing pity.

“We have to help each other,” he emphasized. “Talking about it and then ignoring it won’t change anything.”

I began to think that maybe missing the early train had a purpose. Had I caught it, I wouldn’t have met this insightful stranger who offered me a fresh perspective. We often get wrapped up in our own concerns, which, while important, may not be as significant as the larger issues facing the world.

Though I was upset about missing my train, it led me to an unexpected encounter. Instead of waiting at the station, I decided to stroll to a nearby café, where I enjoyed lunch and took the time to write. My afternoon turned out to be quite delightful.

Life has a unique way of unfolding, reminding us to appreciate the little things. Embrace the moment, and try not to dwell on frustrations when things don’t go as planned.

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With love, Brianna.

Chapter 2: Unexpected Connections

In this moving video, a man shares his incredible journey of living in a train tunnel for 25 years, offering a unique perspective on resilience and survival.

This video follows Thomas, a man who navigates life as a homeless individual in NYC, spending his nights on the train for shelter. His story sheds light on the daily struggles faced by many.