A Worn Path of Travel

        Being the person I am, I was never vocal with my struggles. Instead, everyday possible I walked the 250ft from my house, took a right-hand turn, and found solace on a dirt road. Here my thoughts could travel from the darkest thoughts, filled with tears and anger, to the better things in life by simply looking around and seeing all the incredible things life has to offer. I learned to be myself here. Everything taught me new lessons; whether it be the how wind blew in those unsheltered areas atop Sand Hill and reminded me at least I had a shelter to return to, the way the road was full of ruts and  reminded me I wasn’t the only person in the world, or the way the wildlife respected one another (the geese distancing itself from the already present mallards when the stream over flooded, the deer creating a path for themselves and all others to come, the cows getting flies off each others back, etc.) ands reminded me of how it was my duty to do the same. The dirt road helped me stay grounded and accept who I am rather that quit and decide this just wasn’t the place for me.

        Nobody saw my moments of weakness and that gave me confidence that I was alright, gaining strength on that walk every night; physically and mentally. The dirt road has become my place to go to when I am experiencing an emotional high or low and just let go. Death wasn’t my only issue in that year (I also went through some emotional and physical struggles with my body) but the dirt road saved me from it all. Now I understand that it may have just been a stepping stone on my way to crossing over the stream; but without that stone I know I never would have succeeded. That old dirt road sign will soon be mine when the town replaces them, and when life takes me away from that road physically that sign will be there to remind me that I always have my inner strength. My belief in the dirt road will help carry me on as I move on with my life; making me forever more thankful for my ancestors creation of those old dirt roads.