You can hear the voice recording for the diary.
いつも通り、駅で長男と電車を見ていると、以前電車のシールをくれた運転手がまた声をかけてくれた。
While watching the trains at the platform of our local station with my son, as is our usual routine, a train conductor who had previously given my son a train sticker approached us once more.
しかも、わたしたちのことを覚えていてくれて、またシールをくれた。
Thankfully, she recognized us and kindly offered another sticker to my son.
以前会った時は、ずっと暑かったので、1-2か月前になるだろうか。数か月間通うことで、駅でも少しずつ覚えられてきた。
Our previous encounter took place during a scorching summer day, so this was likely a month or two ago. We frequent the station, and some of the train conductors have come to remember us.
将来は、同じ運転手になるかな、なんて話をしたけど、将来、息子が大人になったときに電車の運転手があるかどうかは正直、難しいと思う。
As she waited for her train to depart, we discussed my son’s future, and he expressed his wish to become a train conductor like the friendly individuals we’ve encountered. However, I had to explain that this might not be possible because I don’t believe such positions will exist by the time he enters the workforce.
人員削減が進む中で、いずれ近いうちに運転手はいなくなってしまうのではないかと。そういった可能性も含めて、しっかり長男には伝えていきたい。
Personnel reductions in the railway industry are ongoing, and the role of a train conductor might become obsolete. I plan to discuss this possibility with my son to manage his expectations.
To be continued.
