While the road gives us roadblocks, and often a difficult path to traverse, sometimes we find the end of any particular road wasn’t quite as bad as we anticipated. We weathered the storms, we hit the potholes and almost bottomed out, but were somehow able to pull through at the last possible moment and remain intact. We avoided the worst of the worst, and, in hindsight, know that everything we did, every pothole we avoided or navigated over, every roadblock, every speed hump, and every hairpin curve, led us to directly to where we are today. Often not too much the worse for wear, sometimes in an even better place, one we never even suspected existed. We gain wisdom. Sometimes we learn patience. Most often we learn humility. We are now better drivers, ready for the next challenging course life puts in front of us.
But sometimes . . . well, sometimes before we get to the end of the road, there is very dark tunnel. Often, we can see no light at the end. We don’t want to go in, but we know we must. Going in is the only way out.
The friend and family I spoke about in my blog Tell Me Why the Road Turns, are now entering that tunnel. It will be different for each of them. They may have some similar experiences, but often not, as each will perceive and relate to the darkness in a different way. The length and darkness of the tunnel will vary, as will the level of fear, anger, sadness, and grief. They will each have their own tunnel to navigate, and it will sometimes seem to be a very desolate and lonely place indeed.
But when they begin to see the light in the distance, and then ultimately reach the end and are able to step out and emerge into the sunshine of life again, they will also find they are able to fill the void, the hole in their hearts, with memories and joy, and a gratefulness for everything once shared, replacing the darkness, the anger, the fear. And, more importantly, they will realize they were never really alone, even during the darkest points in the tunnel. It is the love and support of all those around them, who will be there every step of the way, just outside the tunnel, ready to step in and pick them up when they fall, and get them back on their way to healing, and to the light at the end. While it is a road, and a tunnel, only they can traverse, it is not without rest stops and aid stations. I wish them well on this difficult and incredibly sad journey, and while I can’t walk in their tunnel with them, I will wait patiently, just outside, ready to lend support, or even a small flashlight, as needed.
Namaste 🙏
~jwb~