Today I begin a new journey; a journey that has been in the making for many years. The noun “journey” is described by Dictionary.com as: passage or progress from one stage to another. I can honestly say that I have traveled a journey down roads dotted with precious memories and littered with items better left alone. My journey has seen many stages: deep, undying love; profound, monumental loss; damp, grey grief, and cleansing, cathartic healing. At times, I have walked my journey with love while surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers. Other times, I have lurched along the way, solo, shedding heavy, lonely tears and stumbling to my knees.

Every time I fall, my muse is there to pick me up, dust me off and send me back on my way. The noun “muse” is described as: a power regarded as inspiring a poet, artist, thinker, or the like (writers too, I guess). My muse guides me, cajoles me, invades my dreams, inspires me, and occasionally kicks me in the rear. I’m talking about two extraordinarily different powers or muses. One is very much alive and a driving force in my life, my son Austin. Ah…if only I had half his talent and intellect. The other, is also very much alive, spiritually speaking, in my son Tyler. From him, I can only hope to possess a portion of his kindness and love of life.

Along this journey of sharing my story, I have had thoughts of quitting, thoughts of giving up or simply choosing another path. This is the exact point in which my muse steps up to the plate and hits one over the fence. In ways that only my muse can speak to me…I hear these words loud and clear: everyone’s not going to like it…everyone’s not going to get it…but those that do – will love it.