FYL Podcast Episode #060- Brendan Baker | The Start of Happiness

When I was 7 years old I nearly died.

My brother and I were at Central Station in Sydney, Australia. We were there with my parents to honour the last steam train to ever leave the station.

As the train departed, my brother and I thought it would be a great idea to race the train. So we started jogging and as the train got faster we started running. I vividly remember watching the train to my right as I was running, seeing the windows open, the dark brown paint on it’s outside and seeing a door flapping with the jolts of the train. The train was going faster than me and I was determined to try keep up. I started sprinting as fast as I could.

The next thing I know, I’m crouched down in a ball with the wheels of the train literally centimetres from my side. I quickly realise where I am and feel the side of the platform against my shoulder. I’ve fallen in the gap between the platform and the train.

I couldn’t move. I was frozen in fear. I had no idea how I got down here. All I could think about was staying as tight to the platform as possible while I felt the wind of the train passing by right next to me.

After what seemed like an eternity, the train finally passes me by. I stand up and look onto the platform. I remember seeing an older lady, about 70 years of age sitting down on one of the benches with her eyes wide open and her hands cupped around her mouth, completely in shock.

My brother was quickly at my side. He pulled me up onto the platform. All I could think about was getting back to my parents. That’s all I wanted to do. My brother put his arm around my shoulder as we started to quickly walk back to my parents who had been heading outside to the car. However, he quickly pulled his arm back and as he did I noticed he had blood all over his arms. I realised I was bleeding heavily from my head.

We finally get to my parents and they look as shocked and confused as ever. My brother tells them the story: “we were running along the platform racing the train. I couldn’t keep up so I stopped and Brendan just ran straight into me! He then rolled along the platform and hit his head on the train before falling in the gap next to the train! I thought he was dead!”

We race to the hospital and I’m quickly admitted. I remember putting the gas mask on and thinking I was floating in the sky with some hot air balloons.

Then, I wake.

I’m dazed but everything seems ok. I look over and see my parents and they look more relieved rather than shocked. This comforts me.

I end up with stitches and a scar that will be with me for life. A small price to pay for me to live the rest of my life. The doctor makes mention that if it was an electric train I would have most likely died. I make a mental note that I’m extremely lucky and will do whatever it takes to make the most of my life.

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