The Road Less Traveled | This one is for Mom

 This one is for my Mom.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

– Robert Frost

On the 21st, my Mom passed down the one path that we all ultimately travel. Her battle with her declining health was courageous as she faced what many healthcare professionals don’t wish to be, the patient. My sister’s care for her was selfless, and Dad maintained his grace through our good moments and challenging ones.

Given her New England upbringing, her favorite poet was Robert Frost. Through her, like The Road not Taken reader, I discovered humor, thoughtfulness, individualism, and boundlessness.

I was fortunate to be with her on Monday, and what happened could only be considered divinely designed – I’m still amazed by what occurred.

I share what happened in this week’s video and three things we can provide to each other when we slow down and travel together. (editor’s note, Monday was the 21st, not the 22nd).

When I was with her, I sensed the energy of this community and everyone participating in our 20 Ripple Challenge. The challenge has been tremendous, and you can still join us because fourteen days of rippling goodness are always better than none.

Until next week, ripple something worth rippling and have fun storming the castle!

I love you, Mom.

Michael