"Road Not Taken..."

This past weekend, early this afternoon and tonight I am reminded of "International Transgender Day of Remembrance", this Friday, November 20th.

Talking recently and exchanging stories with my brothers of the struggle; our anxieties, loves, and the animosity of family, friends and tears. Whether it was because we waited so long and hesitated when we came to that "fork in the road, " or trying to decide which way to go to continue the journey; The hard choices we stand for when traveling on the road of life.

When I was walking my dog today I thought much of the poem by Robert Frost, "Road Not Taken." The first and last stanza especially: "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;"

I, not once but several times came to a fork in the road and did wish I could have "travel both." But again and for a time I choose the the road traveled much too familar and did regret the possibilities of the road not chosen once again...Untill finally...

"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."

It took all that was left of me to finally look deep within myself and realize this IS my journey--no one can decide for me; it is for me and me alone. And that is a difference between knowing the path and walking it.

Today and on November 20th I walk not alone but with those who like myself unite in vigil, in heart, in spirit and with "time", praying it will be our companion and friend along the "Road Not Taken."

With every breath we are given the chance to begin again...and so it is. LJS