In the beginning, we travel surrounded by our closest ones — parents, grandparents, childhood friends, classmates.
Life is like a train ride.
At the beginning, we travel in a carriage filled with familiar faces — our mothers and fathers, grandparents, childhood friends, classmates. It feels safe. It feels like home. This is our carriage.
But over time, people start to get off at different stops. One by one — grandparents, parents, friends from the past — they leave the train.
And in their place, new passengers come aboard. Strangers. Unfamiliar souls.
Some of them we grow close to. Others become passing acquaintances. But the train keeps moving forward. More of our people depart.
More unfamiliar faces appear. Many of them are kind, vibrant, full of life and energy — but still, they’re not ours. They come with their own stories, their own lives.
And the longer the journey, the fewer familiar faces we see. The carriage slowly fills with strangers.
If the journey is long, eventually, you may find yourself riding alone. Everyone who began the trip with you is gone. And being alone among many can feel especially lonely.
But there’s one comforting thought. At the final stop, we’ll be met by those we started the journey with. That’s what I believe.
And maybe, while we’re still on the way, we should try to connect with the new passengers. Be kind. Be helpful. Share the ride meaningfully. So the road to the last station doesn’t feel quite so lonely.
Because at that last stop — someone will be waiting. To greet us. To welcome us. To love us.
— Anna Kiryanova
