Why we call him Bo.
by cabooseMikey
The railroaders he worked with, his
neighbors, the school folks, the rifle range buddies, the poker gang and his
own family have known him as Rob, but I have always had a hard time calling him
Rob and I'll tell you why.
One day about ten years ago, there was a
message that our mutual friend David would be the engineer on the afternoon
train and yes, we would go trackside to see him pass.
After smiles and waves there was a strong-signalled
radio message on my scanner - a supervisor was also watching this train pass
by.
Our
friend David said: "You need to go see Mr. and Mrs. Caboose!"
"Where?"
was the response.
"Just
drive, you'll find them", David said.
He had been parked behind the same large
pepper tree that was next to us and in a moment he drove up. There were
introductions all around and he inquired if we were being safe, too.
As quiet returned to the junction, I asked
how he spelled his name because I wanted to post a message to our internet
group.
"Internet?"
he gasped.
"Oh
yes", I replied, "These messages go all the way to
headquarters."
"HEADQUARTERS?"
he gasped again. "B - O, oh, just
sign it Bo - that's enough!"
And at that moment he became known as
SignalMan Bo to our now more than twelve hundred FEC Railway list members.
Here's
wishing you a safe trip, Bo.
