On the way home from Mom’s house today, I ran into heavy traffic. Spur of the moment, I turned off the main road onto a back road I knew would take me across country to my subdivision. This was a one-lane road, with a gravel shoulder just in case you meet another vehicle. It is definitely a road less traveled. I didn’t expect to meet another vehicle and I wasn’t disappointed.
The road twists and turns through woods and fields with steep inclines. Driving down this beautiful stretch of back road through deeply shaded woods and bright green open meadows, I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem, “…the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep…and miles to go before I sleep.” I took a few minutes to breathe and remember. Sometimes, when you’re really busy, you just get tired. I needed a second wind.
 |
| Mom, Dad and Thomas, 2006 |
Mom and I had visited Dad’s grave. The picture you see here is the last one taken of him. Mom’s holding little Thomas, their great grandson and Dad’s namesake. Thomas will be five next week. Yesterday would have been Dad’s 80th birthday. He may never know I honored him with a visit, but I know. I miss him.
I have chosen a road less traveled in another area of my life. It’s not an easy road, but it’s one I’ve chosen and I mean to pursue it to the end. It will require study and hard work to achieve it, but I know I can do it and I’m not giving up. I think Dad would be proud.
Betty Thomason Owens 