Before heading westward some in our country painted their wagons. Today I am headed west. My wagon has no fresh coat of paint. It is an Amtrak train. I have longed for this journey; dreamt of it, and now I am one hour away from my destination, Grand Junction, Colorado.

As the train trudges forward miles and miles of ever changing land and skylines entertain me. Not as a movie or some humorous story would. It reminds me why I came here, and why I stay. I am in love with Colorado. I've known some sizzilg romances, but when I see another mountain range, all those brief old encounters pale.

I am older now. Never imagined living my last years surrounded by this splendor. I like the sound, the ring of it,The Grand Valley. What I'm staring out the window at today differs from the snow capped peaks I gazed at from Denver.

I lean back in my seat and feel a peaceful calm. The only stress of this journey is the getting to and from the train's rest rooms, as it unexpectedly lurches forward, or jerks almost to a stop while navagating a curve.

Usually I am patient, but not today. Many times I've looked at my watch. Soon I will see my daughter and her family again. Today I will meet a great grandson, but I am a stranger to him. Will he cry? I don't want to frighten him.

To bear my eagerness I think of what I've seen today; Changing mountains and their unpredictable streams. Kayakers challenging rapids that easily seem stronger than they. Beaver dams pounding waters cannot take apart. I notice a few campers are flying flags, and remember that this is Memorial Day weekend. I had forgotten.

A sping calf lopes across an otherwise empty meadow. Is it lost and looking for its mother? Something about the little calf out there alone brings me back to the present. I close my eyes and wonder how many years my daughter and I will get to share. How long will I see my great grandson grow? Who will my new friends be? Which nursing home will I work in?

I check my watch again. It is a while before we arrive. I close my eyes and whisper a prayer. I've said several today. I thank God for bringing me to this place. I thank Him for the job He already knows I will find. I thank my Lord for daughters and sons who love me so much. A few tears fall and trickle down my face. If other passengers notice, it doesn't matter.

I am not ready to be old and helpless, like the patients I take care of. Approaching wrinkles and aging spots, and slightly gnarled fingers, not even a slowed step defines me. As long as I live my heart will be young enough to sing.

A voice sounds from the train's speaker system: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are ahead of schedule. In five minutes we will reach Grand junction. Those getting off the train, please get ready to depart."

I take off my watch and slip it in a pocket. As the train comes to a full stop I gather my jacket and bags, and stand. Under my breath I am singing, "Got a dream boy, got a song".......... Finally, I am here.