Day 8: Joy in the Journey

There are no pictures that communicate the defeat of a long delay resulting in a missed train. No photographic evidence is needed to capture the moments of pure exhaustion found in slumped shoulders, half-opened eyes, and deep sighs of defeat. No picture could fully capture the sound of shuffling feet or demonstrate the additional weight that a carry-on bag — even one with rollers — accumulates when a kiddo or an advisor is just ready . . . to . . . get . . . home — even if the previous week spent away from home was filled with wonder and magic.

Yet — there they were — stuck in Washington DC at the very same station where, just a week earlier, held so much hope and anticipation for the week ahead. Twelve hours earlier, back in Atlanta, they had been told that “Trains sometimes make up for lost time,” and “Perhaps you would be rerouted to Philly” or “They may be put you up in a hotel.” The latter two responses didn’t seem palatable, but at least there was a plan . . . sort of.

Once again, the kids were asked to “control what you can control,” and at this point, the only thing they could control was their own attitude — which they did beautifully. After learning that Amtrak’s solution was an overnight stay at a hotel until the next train out — on the evening of the following day, the kids who had spent the past week away from home watched as their advisors called to get permission to rent a vehicle and make the drive home, they watched as they made a deal with Amtrak to be refunded the tickets which would cover the cost of the rental cars or van, and then they watched as these same advisors contacted rental car companies only to find that there were no vehicles available.

“Well,” the advisors stated with an air of defeat in their voices, “it looks like we get to hang out together one more day.”

Instead of moans and groans, the advisors were greeted with, “Thank you for trying,” “We only have eight more hours on a train,” and “It’s okay — at least we like each other.” No complaints — only understanding and a determination to make the best of it. The next step was to gather up their carry-on bags and set out for the hotel which was only a mile away.

This mile through our nation’s capitol seemed like the longest mile ever. Dragging roller carry-on luggage and bags that weren’t packed with a mile hike in mind, the weary group wove their way through the grand alley-ways and side streets designed to be traveled by carriage a few hundred years earlier.

As the sun dipped into the distant horizon, our weary travelers finally reached their destination. They took the elevator to the second floor to check in, eagerly considering the warm shower and comfortable bed that was sure to welcome them for one more night.

The kids plopped on the floor waiting for their room keys; instead, they received disappointing news once more: There were no available rooms. After a quick phone call to the folks at Amtrak, the mistake was quickly remedied, and the kids were being whisked back toward the train station to stay in rooms that were, this time, available. Though there were a few frustrating moments, in the end, Amtrak made it right, and their efforts were greatly appreciated. It seems that their second home away from home on the “bonus night” of the trip was even better than the first.

As they entered the Kimpton George, they were surrounded with Colonial decor which the father of our country would be sure to enjoy. With plans to visit the Smithsonian Museum of Art before making their final departure toward home, the kids slept like babies on the final night of their adventure.

They woke up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast just around the corner and realized just how close to Union Station they were because right there was the station and just a few blocks away was the Capitol!

It was less than a mile to the Smithsonian Museum of Art. A few raindrops weren’t enough to dampen their day, and soon, they found themselves surrounded by the actual masterpieces created by the masters themselves. They strolled through halls filled with thousands of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and drawings, and all too soon, it was time to head to the station for the return trip home.

Amtrak wasn’t done making it right. The happy travelers, now ever so much more than family, were invited to enjoy the comforts of the executive lounge before their trip. And of the missing piece of luggage? It found its way onto the train so that, in the end, nothing was really lost. In fact, less was lost and more was gained, and the joy was in the journey.

It was a quick eight hours and then they were home — with a silver medal, stories to tell, and memories to last a lifetime.