The Meaning of Tathagata

Tathagata is a powerful word in Buddhism. It is the word the historical Buddha used to refer both to himself and to the Buddhas who came before him. As I search, I often feel like a child running after a strong, striding figure. At times I am exhausted and I tarry on the path, loosing site of what I am running after. At other times, I feel very close. Does Tathagata wait for me? The answer is no, but he is also never very far away.