My journey has been long. I do not regret
it. At times, it has been dark, a perilous course. At other times, joyous,
dappled with sunlight. It has been hard more often than easy.
The road was fraught with dangers for me from the beginning, the forest thick,
the mountains high, the darkness terrifying, through it all, even in the mists,
a small pinpoint of light, a tiny star guiding me.
I have been both wise and foolish. I have been loved and betrayed, and
abandoned. And much to my despair, I have unwittingly wounded others, and
humbly beg their forgiveness. I have forgiven those who have hurt me , as I
pray they will forgive me for allowing them to hurt me. I have loved much, and
given of my whole heart and soul. And even when badly wounded, have continued
on the path, with faith, and hope, and even blind belief, toward love and
freedom. The journey continues, easier than it has been.
For those of you still lost in the darkness, may your traveling companions treat
you well. May you find safe havens when you need them, and clearings in the
forest. May you find cool waters where you can safely drink, quench your
thirst, and bathe your wounds. And may you one day find healing.
When we meet, our hands will join, and we will know each other. The light is
there, waiting for us. We must each, in our own way, journey on until we find
it. To reach it, we w ill need determination, strength and courage, gratitude
and patience. And after all that, wisdom, And at journey's end, we will find
ourselves, we will find peace, and the love that, until now, we have only
dreamed of.