Forty-four years ago, I came upon two roads that diverged. I sat with my parents in the living room of our home and listened as they encouraged me to take the road that they thought would be better for me. I chose to follow their advice and as Robert Frost said, “That has made all the difference.”  Because of that decision so many years ago, my life has been very good.

But Robert Frost also said, “Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.”

Last Fall I was faced with two roads once again. Which should I choose? Both would be good. I chose the road that once again surprised many who know me.  That road soon met up with the road I had turned down forty-four years ago. I have had the privilege to “come back.”

A friend shared this poem today and set me thinking about the choices I have made. Forty-four years ago, I chose a less popular road and most who knew me at the time were surprised when I walked down it. I never regretted it, yet few get to return to the “road not taken” to see where it goes. I realize that one day, the road may once again diverge and new choices with new opportunities come into view but for now, I am enjoying walking down the road not taken.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

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.