let me introduce myself. I’m a weary and worn traveler longing for home. I’ve been through some rough terrain, but I’m still walking. I have a limp, a walking cane, and sometimes I really drag my lame foot. I take a lot of breaks…finding an old log to rest upon. But I am still walking… occasionally in the wrong direction… but I retrace my steps to find my path again. I’m not traveling alone. I have a companion. But a lot of times, in my struggling, I refuse help. I clam up. I just slip into despair alone. But eventually, when I can’t quite continue the path alone, I let him pull me to my feet and continue the journey. I’m not as spry as when we started. A lot of terrain has been quite difficult to navigate. How could I be the same? I was eager, energetic, ready to conquer all of the challenges of the journey. I never foresaw how difficult the journey could be. I was daring, brave, eager, and trusting of all who wanted to journey with me. But as I’ve traveled, I laugh less, cry more, and take a lot more breaks. Yes, this journey has been so difficult. It’s taken a lot out of me. Sometimes I miss the girl with all the laughter and carefree spirit, ready to take on the world. But she didn’t know then what I know now. And I’m grateful for what I know, what I’ve seen, heard…such beauty on this journey. Yes, how could I be the same? The journey has a price it places on you. I’ve always got bruises, scrapes, scratches. But I have seen bluebirds with such grace. I’ve seen butterflies with incredible beauty fluttering by me, landing on my hand and then fluttering away. I’ve sat at the edge of rushing water and calm ripples. Oh, I hope the destination isn’t much further away! But, I am curious to see the landscape ahead. Oh, curious may not be the word. Sometimes I fear it. But no matter how hard each days travel is, it’s worth it for the view I’ll soon have when I get home.

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