I am writing this from a quiet country train, travelling with my daughter from Sydney to the beautiful Hunter Valley in New South Wales. We are drinking tea and sharing a snack from the buffet carriage as we look out to the picturesque Hawkesbury River/Dyarubbin. The river is looking so beautiful, reflecting the pastel sky above.

Our carriage is whisper-quiet, except for occasional chatter between passengers – we giggle as we try to nibble on our cheese and crackers quietly so as not to disturb the peace! 

I know that travelling on public transport is not always rainbows and butterflies, but I do find joy in observing the chance moments of human connection when I am out and about. I am often amazed by the acts of kindness or moments that matter that I witness in public spaces – when I resist the temptation to stare at my phone!

On this journey, I have witnessed many mini-heartwarming moments. Today’s theme appears to be the lasting bond shared between a mother and her child.

A twenty-something young man boarded the train a few stops ago. His family, mops of hair with wide smiles and hazel eyes, hugged him tightly before he boarded the train. They held each other the way you hold someone when you know they are going away for a while. His mum smiled bravely through tear-filled eyes.

At another station, a thirty-something man bid farewell to his silver-haired mother… the warmth in her gaze and the lines at her eyes revealing a lifetime of loving her son.

At this station, I see another mother and son duo. This time, quick goodbyes infused with the energy of rushing madly to catch the train. Smiles of relief beam across their flushed faces as they quickly part.

The scene is ‘rinse and repeat’ today – son boards train and searches for a seat, mother waits on the platform and searches for her son. She holds on and waits for their fleeting farewell through dusty glass as the train pulls away.

I feel lucky to witness this love in motion.

As mums, we board a life-long train of love when we meet our children. We know that they will one day step off our train to board new journeys of their own. We know that there will be countless goodbyes and reunions… We know we are destined to hold on while letting go.

My daughter and I are travelling on this train to visit my beautiful mum. Having lived hours away from my parents for two decades, the scenes around me remind me of our years of shared hugs, parting words, and waves with wide-stretched fingers trying to hold on as we drive away and around the bend.

These silent but palpable glimpses of love that I have witnessed on this train today are played out daily around the world. Love, and parting, are universal.

Our two children are still young and will remain in the nest with us for many more years, so I have time to prepare myself for their taking flight. I admire the parental strength of loving someone so deeply and setting them free.

Through the technology that keeps us connected no matter where we are, or the memories that forever bind us, it’s reassuring to know that love can endure any distance.