The Road

Let me preface this entry by saying, forgive me if this does not make sense. Usually I write to share stories and ideas. I have read this four or five times and every time, I get the feeling that I am trying to work something out in MY head.

Recently I visited a place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life. Not only did I visit the town, but I had the opportunity to see friends and family that I had not had the pleasure of being around in quite some time. It's been more than 13 years since my initial departure and needless to say there has been a lot of change.

It's important to note that these are all people that had a significant hand in raising me. For most people, family and environment shape the type of person that you become. Nothing poetic about saying your family and home, "set the table" for your life. Some individuals are going to have a head start. Not having all of the advantages doesn't mean that you can't accomplish your goals, just means that your road is going to be different.

The whole family had an influence in shaping the type of person that I have become. It is ultimately up to parents to shape and mold advice and utilize the experiences of not only themselves but of Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and close family friends in to productive life lessons.

I learned a lot from this trip! It might not be necessary to go home again but it certainly is beneficial. You can learn, just as much taking a trip down the road you started out on as you did the first time you traveled it. Originally guided by your elders, and now "YOU" are the elder. I know who I am and why I am. I was fortunate to have a village raise me and I am grateful. I fret a lot about how best to pay homage and I think the best thing to do, is to keep it all going.

Life is a journey right? Each day is a mini journey within the grand scheme of things. Some of us go through the motions, from alarm clock to quitting time and repeat the cycle all over again. Some of us try to use each day for self discovery and continued improvement. Some of us are lost and stay lost until the light goes on, or off...