CAKE!!!! in Tales of the Jointed Track

I have left the BN and I am in engine service with the Santa Fe Railway. I have two small children as well. How did that happen?.. It’s late 80’s

I came in from a helper run, and was told that Harold Dreith was retiring. Harold, was the machinist I broke in with, and still stayed in contact with, when I went running. I have a couple of “Harold” vignettes. If you are in town, please come for his party. I asked if I can take my kids if needed, and God Bless ‘em .. yes please do.

Well I was off, and the board said, late that evening, or early the next morning. Not a big deal, I can make do. This is an honor to be there for Harold.

The kids, and me show up, and are there with the shop forces and the retirees that were able to show. Mr Gregg is there, my old roundhouse foreman, and was good to see him too. He was glad to see me, and said..”Looks like you were busy, since you were married. You were a good hand for me, when you were in the shops”. I appreciated that, because he was a tough ol hide, but he did you right as well.

The cake is brought in, just after Harold arrives in the lunch room. Before, I can do anything, two small voices yell .. “CAKE!!!”. Harold says… “Kid, I’ll make sure they get the first slices”. The tributes were given, and here comes the cake. The shop people always treated me well. I was part of them, and I still acknowledged them, when I went into engine service, plus I was with another railroad. The boys enjoyed the cake and the locomotives in the shops.

A past time, because they are all gone. My kids are in their mid to late twenties now. Fond memories. So the next birthday, or retirement party, you go to, remember these words “CAKE!!!” …

My best and thanks for reading.

Last updated August 10, 2016