Saturday Morning Train Tradition with my Son Cole

Every Saturday morning, my 9-year-old son Cole, who has autism, and I have a little tradition. We hop on the Metra train at Ravinia station and take the 17 minute ride up to Wilmette. Cole has loved trains since he was a little boy. For Cole, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. He stares out the window the entire ride, observing every detail about the train with childlike wonder.

Waiting on the platform for the train to arrive is an adventure in itself for Cole. He flaps his arms and squeals on occasion in excitement and joy. His happiness and enthusiasm are infectious. For Cole, our routine gives him comfort and joy. We don’t have conversations, but instead just enjoy each other’s company.

When we arrive at the Wilmette station, we make our way over to Starbucks where Cole always gets his favorite treat - a blueberry muffin. To get there, we have to cross busy Greenbay Road. Cole doesn't like when I hold his hand, but he knows he has to for safety. No matter how many times we do our Saturday routine, Cole never tires of that muffin. After getting our treats, we find a spot on the train platform to enjoy them while waiting for the next Metra back to Ravinia. Cole eats his muffin quickly, savoring each bite.

The journey back to Ravinia is equally rewarding for Cole. He remembers each stop on the Union Pacific North route and announces each one in turn. While brief, these moments feel special.

On occasion, we continue three stops past Ravinia to the Ft. Sheridan station, where Cole's Grandpa, my father, who we call Pops, picks us up and drives us back to Ravinia. Pops understands Cole's love of trains, and is always happy to extend our Saturday morning adventure.

Before long, our Saturday morning adventure comes to an end as we return to Ravinia station. My heart fills with gratitude for these moments with my boy. Our tradition of riding the Metra and grabbing a quick treat at Starbucks create memories I will cherish forever. Even after only 17 minutes, I feel closer to Cole and more appreciative of the wonder he brings to my world.

Watching Cole observe the train with such attention, flap with joy, announce each stop, and devour that muffin reminds me to appreciate life’s simple details. His delight is contagious. Our Saturday morning outing is a reminder of the beauty in each moment, especially the moments shared without words.

Top 50 Movies Since 1980 (List produced by ChatGPT3)

 Dont know how #13, Seven Saumrai snuck in there... AI glitch :-)

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

3. Schindler's List (1993)

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

5. Pulp Fiction (1994)

6. Forrest Gump (1994)

7. Inception (2010)

8. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

11. The Matrix (1999)

12. Goodfellas (1990)

13. Seven Samurai (1954)

14. Se7en (1995)

15. City of God (2002)

16. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

17. Life is Beautiful (1997)

18. The Usual Suspects (1995)

19. Léon: The Professional (1994)

20. Spirited Away (2001)

21. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

22. American History X (1998)

23. Interstellar (2014)

24. The Green Mile (1999)

25. The Prestige (2006)

26. The Intouchables (2011)

27. Whiplash (2014)

28. The Departed (2006)

29. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

30. Back to the Future (1985)

31. Alien (1979)

32. The Lion King (1994)

33. Apocalypse Now (1979)

34. Gladiator (2000)

35. The Pianist (2002)

36. Memento (2000)

37. Amélie (2001)

38. Terminator (1984)

39. Jurassic Park (1993)

40. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)

41. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

42. Braveheart (1995)

43. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

44. Titanic (1997)

45. The Terminator (1984)

46. Groundhog Day (1993)

47. The Big Lebowski (1998)

48. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

49. Die Hard (1988)

50. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Blueberry Smoothie recipe written by GPT3

Are you looking for a delicious way to get your daily dose of protein and antioxidants? Look no further than this blueberry smoothie recipe! With the addition of Vega Vanilla Protein Powder, this smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

## Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this smoothie:

- 1 banana

- 1 cup frozen blueberries

- 1 cup almond milk

- 1 scoop Vega Vanilla Protein Powder

- 1 tsp honey

- 1 tsp chia seeds

## Preparation

1. Peel and slice the banana and place it into the blender.

2. Add the frozen blueberries to the blender.

3. Pour in the almond milk.

4. Add the Vega Vanilla Protein Powder and honey.

5. Sprinkle in the chia seeds.

6. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

7. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

## Why This Recipe is the Best

This recipe is the best for several reasons:

- Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support heart health.

- Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit that's packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.

- Almond milk is a low-fat alternative to dairy milk and is rich in calcium and vitamin E.

- Vega Vanilla Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that provides a boost of protein and helps keep you feeling full. It's also low in sugar and gluten-free.

- Honey is a natural sweetener that provides energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

- Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

## Conclusion

This blueberry smoothie recipe with Vega Vanilla Protein Powder is the perfect way to get a nutritious and delicious meal in a glass. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option or a refreshing snack, you can't go wrong with this smoothie. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!