A New Jersey man has built a special model train set in the basement of his home to bring joy to his bedridden father.
After Ronald Anthony Ward became too ill to accompany his son to their beloved model train shows, Ronnie Ward decided to bring the model trains to him.
The father-son duo have shared a passion for the hobby since Ronald gave Ronnie his first train set to his pure glee at the age of five.
According to the NorthJersey.com, Ronnie often recalls the pair's tradition of making model trains sets together, and visiting shows across the country. With Ronnie's memory still vivid of the train sets they shared, he decided to recreate a similar set for his father five months ago.
The 10-by-13 sized board contains nine trains running along more than 112 feet of track. It's divided in two levels, called the "Disney Plateau" and the "Coca Cola Valley." It also houses several important landmarks, such as the Dumbo tower and the Ward family home. Most importantly, it features the first train set his father ever gave him.
"I started with one 8-by-4 board, which is the board that he got me and built me," Ronnie said. "I started with one circle one day. A couple of days later I did another circle. Then my uncle came by and brought another board by. Now I have to put more up."
While he plans on doubling the size of his personal train set, Ronnie said he has two other things he'd like to do.
Despite having the train set residing in the family's basement, due to Ronald's lack of mobility, he has only been able to see pictures of his son's display up close. So, with the help of his family, Ronnie plans on carrying his father down to see his hard work and enjoy it in person.
On Dec. 31, Ronnie also plans to open his train show to the public, so families can enjoy it just like he and his father did.
"I know the joy it brings me when I go to a [train] show and see a little boy with his father," Ronnie said. "And this is all great. But what good is it if I can't share it?"
Ronnie said he fondly remembers the countless memories he's made with his father, and is something he'll never forget.
"The feeling I got inside, being with my father, is something that's irreplaceable," Ronnie said. "There's nothing like sitting down and creating something, together."
Did you ever have a special activity you shared with one of your parents?