Day 675
There are pictures of our pups (past and present) surrounding us in every room. This particular photo was taken shortly after Lilly and Ranger joined our family. Lilly on the left and Ranger on the right, were just beginning to develop their personalities. Having littermates might imply that they were very much alike. That is how they started out, but then, their "unique selves" took flight! Looking at this picture makes me think of the potential each one had...beyond their sweetness. They were loving to each other and all of us. Sweet Arthur was near retirement, so Therapy Dogging was hopefully in the puppies' future. Little did I know how amazing they would be...each in their own way.
We are all born with a potential to do great things. Of course, those gifts need to be nurtured, applauded and appreciated as weeks turn into months and years. There are times when I wonder if a different avenue might have been more fulfilling in my life, but my heart always leaned towards education. I don't regret a day of that journey.
Robert Frost would remind all of us that we have choices during our lifetime. When faced with a 'fork in the road where two paths lie ahead, the poet chose 'the road less traveled.' Most of us might be enticed to take the road that has seen more wear and tear...indicating the majority of wayfarers chose that path. Others are ready for an adventure! One path might be relatively safe while the other beckons with the unknown.
Initially, looking back on my life so far, I thought the trodden, safe path has always been my chosen journey. Delving deeper, there have been many forks in my life's road and sometimes, I have decided to take a risk with the unknown path. No matter what side of the fork was my walkway, it has led me to this day and who I ultimately find myself to be. Never being one to look back with regrets, I would choose the same history of steps again.
We are never done with the choice at the fork in the road. Choosing wisely might sometimes lean heavily on the heart...the older I get, the more the heart decides the path. Never be afraid to take one fork or the other. Either will lead you to evolve into your most honest self. Like Ranger and Lilly, that can only be a beautiful thing to behold!
