And that was years ago. Like the poet, I chose the less-traveled path. I never liked crowds and have always wanted to make my own choices, to do “my thing” regardless of what others did.

I was happy with that choice and with my life. Because of that “narrow road”, I encountered a number of different opportunities; many of which were challenging, but all of which were in some way personally fulfilling.

So, life went on. That road seemed the right one for me and for those I met along the way. And life went on . . . and on.

Then, suddenly, there was another road. This road was even narrower, certainly lonelier that the first. And this road was not chosen.

A curious thing, perhaps, that this strictured road assignment actually began on a literal road. Uncontrolled intersection, late in the afternoon, sun in the other driver’s eyes (I suppose), and I was hit. Then later, just more than a month, I was thrust upon the longer road. Emergency surgery, subdural hematoma, walk a straight line, touch your finger to your nose. What happened? Do you remember?

So now, what am I to do about this unchosen road? I am here, this is not a choice. I can rebel against it. How could this happen to me? I had plans, goals, ambitions.

However, life goes on. Yes, life goes on all around me and I, a spectator far too often, see things happening and want to join in, but, somehow, I have trouble connecting.

Life does go on, though. Life at a slower pace. Life in a different direction.

And I, now walking along the other road, narrower than the one before, begin to see the beauty. There are joys, there are challenges and, yes, there are friends. I’ve lost some friends and gained some others. The companionship of those who also walk this path is good, many times even precious.

I am learning to move along the new road and, in spite of the past, in spite of sorrow, in spite of myself, to enjoy it. Many, probably most, of the previous goals have changed. Ambition? Sure! Some days simply to survive. Other days to enjoy and to grow.

“I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference.”

Larry Carlson
June 17, 1998

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