Traveling First Class with an Angelic Companion

Her suave and handsome seatmate made a seven-year-old's journey a heavenly one.

By Fran O'Connor, Cottonwood, Arizona

As appeared in

The train’s stack spewed a steady stream of black smoke as we moved across the country. We traveled west, the scenery slowly changing from flat, gold and green fields to red-toned deserts and plateaus with pine-dotted mountains in the distance.

“We’re in Arizona now,” Michael said one morning. “We should get off the train and go exploring.” After breakfast Michael held my hand as we walked off the train. On the station platform, I saw a group of Native Americans selling baskets, pottery and jewelry on blankets.

“Do you want anything?” Michael asked. I hesitated. “I’ll help you pick it out,” he said.

I examined the objects for sale in front of me. My eyes fell on a small bracelet. It was turquoise, with silver wings spreading out from it. “It’s an angel!” I said. Next thing I knew, it was on my wrist. Now I had two guardian angels on my journey.

After three days we pulled into the Los Angeles station. Michael carried my suitcase off of the train. My aunt and uncle rushed toward me with outstretched arms. My uncle pulled a bill out of his pocket and looked for the conductor.

“I want to give him a tip for taking such good care of you,” he said.

“The conductor didn’t take care of me!” I shouted. “Michael did!”

Michael doffed his fedora at my aunt and uncle, handed me my suitcase and shot me a wink. Then he turned and disappeared into the crowd. In a moment he was gone.

“He stayed with me the whole time,” I told my relatives. “He even bought me a present! An angel! Look!” I raised my arm to show them the bracelet.

“Why, I think that’s a thunderbird,” my aunt said. My uncle leaned in for a closer look. “It’s the Indian sign of a good protector!”

And for the whole trip, that’s what I had: an angel guarding me. One that liked to travel first class.

Your Comments (3)

Luanne Easton on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 7:45 pm

This story about the little girl on the train brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful experience she had.

Virginia Greer on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 12:10 am

I was so touched by this story! It's my favorite that I've ever read in your lovely magazine.

Rita Ward on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 5:28 pm

My daughter read your article "Traveling First Class" in Angels on Earth and related it to my telling of a so similar a story of my youth. In 1945 when I was some what older than you (14) I made a trip from Detroit, I was met at the train station in Chicago by some family friends who kept me over night and returned me to the station where I boarded the train to L.A. I made friends with some older teens who took me under their wings and made the trip a fun time just like your angel did. Along the way I also bought a silver and petrified wood ring which I wear to this day, it is one of my most treasured possessions.
I was met by my grandfather and Aunt at the Los Angles station and spent most of that summer with them. I have many fond memories of that year as my Aunt's son who was a double working in the movies was my escort to many of the sights around the area.
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to tour the Los Angles rail terminal, it brought back so many memories as it has been restored to look pretty much as it did in 1945
I also live in Arizona, in Tucson since 1971,
Thanks for the good memories. Rita Ward