(This comic was originally posted on November 29, 2011.)

Choo-choo-choose the right one, Baby!

This comic came from a real-life event that occurred last summer in my area. Our community has a large number of high-school and middle-school students who walk to and from school each weekday (the state thought it would be nice to save money by cutting out all state-funded school transportation).

One of the problems lie in the fact that several active train tracks intersect the streets these kids have to use. Last summer, one student (while listening to her iPod) was nearly obliterated by a commuter train while walking home with her best friend. The best friend was shaken and very much psychologically-upset by the fact that they both could have been killed instantly on such a seemingly ordinary sunny, summer afternoon!

My stepdaughter knew one of the students so, one day, about a year after the incident, my family and I were out eating, and my wife brought up the subject. She asked how the student was getting along in class and with other pupils after nearly getting killed by a speeding train. She wanted to know if they were getting the proper psychological help and support.

In my typical, stupid, comedic fashion I butted in by replying, “She’s doing okay. She’s accepted the fact that she almost got hit by a train. In fact, she’s on the right track now!”

My wife’s jaw dropped like she couldn’t believe I said that, while my stepson was on the floor laughing. My stepdaughter could only shake her head saying Dad is sooo crazy.

I don’t know why I say the stuff that I say. Something automatically supplies me with a punchline in leiu of the diplomatic thing to reply with. It’s gotten to the point where I have to wait a beat before speaking because the first thing out of my mouth may not be the nicest or most couth.

Ah, well! It makes for good comic writing, and that’s what I need right now. See y’all tomorrow!