The Road Less Taken

In the quiet times throughout any given day, my
mind wanders and wonders. I fade into the past
to remember the various events, some good, some not so good and some terrific.
Life is certainly a journey, not a destination. Yes,
we've heard that often throughout our lives, but it
rings true. Destinations require plans that are
laid out specifically with time lines, strategy and
deadlines. Life doesn't work that way!
We sometimes think we have 'plotted our course' and smile as we move forward, but there's always
the possibility of something deterring our momentum. Then comes the choice...how strong are you? Will you survive the challenge and will you land on your feet one more time?
Life's challenges sometimes occur because we never got a round tuit! Yep, it's true. Procrastination has long been my friend. It's easy! My thoughts always lean towards "I can do that tomorrow." What if that bend in the road takes me elsewhere? Do I lose? Do I win? Do I make the best choice?
When the big hurricane, Rita (I think it was) was heading for the Galveston coastline, she grew enormous and was life threatening on many levels. Katrina had gone before with the wrath of the devil in New Orleans and on the Mississippi coastline. Lives were lost, homes and futures destroyed and people left with no where to turn.
Rita impacted my life that particular week. I debated staying or leaving, but I thought too long. The morning before she was due to hit land, I finally decided to pack the car and run. It was so difficult gathering important paperwork, a few special life pictures, jewelry, etc. Choices had to be finalized in a short period of time. I filled the car to the brim including trunk space and seat space, leaving just enough room for a pillow to lay length wise next to the arm rest! That was my white heart 'n soul's spot, Percy.
We pulled out of our driveway at 10:00 a.m. and traveled ten miles across FM 1960 to I45 N...we got on I45 N at 3:10 that afternoon! Yes, five hours to travel ten miles. My heart wanted to U-turn and come back home, my mind said no, go ahead. Percy slept on the soft pillow, once in a while raising his sweet head to stare into my eyes and once he saw I was ok (hah! faked it for him 'cause we were in trouble) he'd lay his head back on the pillow and drift away for another hour. His trust in my decision making was amazing and his unconditional love gave me strength.
I had one special friend who sent text messages to me throughout the day urging my progress and negating my retreat! He wanted me safe and out of harm's way.
At 9:45 p.m. I realized I had a phone message on the cell. It was Nancy, a sweet cousin, wondering where I was? Did I leave? Where was I going? I returned her call and she told me there was a place for me in Huntsville if I could get there. I contacted the folks in Huntsville and finally arrived in their driveway at 2:15 a.m. Yes, I drove a total of 67 miles over a period of 16 hours. I almost kissed the ground in the wee hours of that day!
Percy and I had traveled among thousands, twelve lanes all heading north, creeping inches in an hour, watching the torment for large families and suffering the 98 degree heat of the afternoon. I offered Percy water ever so, but he did not drink one drop! He knew we were in some kind of fix, there was no potty option and finally after 13 hours, he roused and stood with feet on console, eyes searching. Finally, he had TO GO! I managed to get to a strip of shoulder and park. It was the first and only time I've seen him DO IT instantly!! Bless his little heart!
You see, if I had moved myself earlier in the week and got a round tuit...I would have been out of harm's way and happy!! I delayed. I hesitated. I procrastinated. It cost me a lot. I can't explain the feelings and emotions I experienced for a few weeks after it was all said and done.
Being alone in that car (except for Percy), watching all of the saga unfold and wondering would my gas hold out...not a cool experience, by any means.
Regardless, we returned home safe and sound. The hurricane went just to the East of Humble and nothing was touched in my area. But, it could have been different. The only choice I had was to 'run' and I did that to the best of my ability.
And, so, that brings me to today and what I'm doing for my personal health. I have finally chosen the road less taken. It's the road to success and longer life. I could continue on my old course to whatever, whenever, however...but, I'm making directional changes these days. I still have many hoops to go through, but, at least I'm not procrastinating for once.
I'm not sure how fast I'll travel with this one or how many miles I'll walk, but I am hopeful of experiencing a very high level of success. I do know through all of this, I will continue to laugh as often as I can!

Laughter is the music of the soul.