The Three Paths

The Three Paths

The first path was soft, sandy and warm.  The sensation as our feet sunk in was amazing, like peace and happiness in a bottle.

The second path was hilly and sunny. The cool grass tickled our feet as we skipped along the hillside holding hands and singing.

The third path was a shady wooded path with leaves that crunched under our feet. The sunlight shined through the branches and the smell of nature enveloped us.

Each path started out perfectly inviting…

The sandy path ended at the base of a mountain. The mountain was cancer diagnoses number one. It was a steep sharp mountain, but we climbed it with bare feet and bloody fingers just barely clinging to the sharp rocks.

The hillside path ended at the mouth of a large river. The river was cancer diagnosis number two. It was turbulent with raging rapids and massive rocks. We swam the white waters hand in hand keeping our heads just above the surface.

The wooded path ended at the edge of a cliff. The canyon was cancer diagnosis number three. They said this was the end because there was no way down or around. I refused to believe this was your last path, our last path together. Hand in hand we tried to go around, but there was no end in either direction. I tried to carry you down, but there was no foothold, it was just too steep. I tried to build you a bridge but there were not enough materials or time. I was frantic in a panic, there had to be a way…

I refused to accept this was the end, but you took my hand and showed me that from the canyon edge we could see the mountain and the valley. Laid out before us were the paths we had walked and the trials we had faced. It was suddenly clear that the only thing sure and steady was our love for each other. Our love made each path beautiful and our love made each obstacle bearable.

Even though there weren’t enough paths to walk with you I wouldn’t change a thing. I would always choose to walk beside you no matter how painful the path. With every step, our love grew stronger until it was unbreakable and never-ending. I stand before the mountain and the valley at the edge of the cliff without you, yet I know without a doubt that I am loved and not alone.