Sometimes the most unlikely roads create the most lasting memories.

So many times I’ve made decisions that have changed the course of my life.

The moment I decided I’d go to university, as the only path to a future.

Now, I look at eighteen year olds and wonder.

Watching them take a gap year, working in the mountains, backpacking across Europe and finding work wherever they can.

And I wonder.

When I applied for medical school, and perservered,

somehow, through the daunting admission gauntlet.

Even though I was an eye test from joining the airforce.

And I wonder.

Followed by another 6 years of studying and sleepless nights, wondering if I’d gone crazy, crying from the fatigue and uncertainty.

Wondering if I was strong enough to continue.

Taking a leap, moving away from friends and family to finish my training in Montreal.

So alone, so free.

Wondering if I should have stayed.

Then returning to my home province, but again far from those I knew to strike out and chance an isolated place, far from the familiar

Where I met amazing people with warm hearts that could melt the snow.

Where I met a man who could melt my heart.

Walking away from my new home, and moving two provinces away again, to be closer to family

To raise beautiful children in a safe and beautiful place.

To strike out again, create something of my own.

Missing all of those I’ve met and left behind along the way.

Hoping we’ll meet again

But knowing it won’t be the same.

I wonder if I’ve made mistakes.

The road not taken will always be dark,

but sometimes,

I miss it all the same.