BACKSTORY: Keith and I love all things “railroad.” I am always delighted when my car is stopped by a train. Even on the coldest days of winter, I will crack open the car windows so I can better hear the sound of it.

We listen for “bad orders,” admire the graffiti, and watch for the FRED (Flashing Rear-End Device). Most of all we love the texture and feel of the 1800’s. Rail, ties, spikes, metal, rust. We love it all.

The derailments were the downside. Mistakes are deadly when you are dealing with huge objects like box cars.

Fathers have always taken risks like this to make life better for their children. It is such a great story if there is a happy ending. Moving from a dishpan to a luxurious blue pool was the highlight of the summer.