My Road Thus Far

A recent blast email from a local retreat center caught my attention with the line, “Every place you’ve been is part of you.” What a wonderful, yet challenging, sentiment to discern this summer!

Ok, in full disclosure, my first thought went to my favorite Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Ironically, this book was introduced to me at a management training seminar. The book is brilliant in its lessons for young and old alike.

I took the time to challenge myself to reflect on the milestones of my earthly journey:  

MY ROAD THUS FAR

I entered this world in Highland Park,

I cried, God smiled.

I was baptized in Deerfield,

I was washed, God adopted.

Olympia Fields became home,

I remember the blizzard, God built a shelter.

Independence began at Arcadia,

I wrote “Linda Kay McBrayer Froucheur” 600 times, God watched me grow.

I took my first bus to Huth,

Greg was awkward, God was patient.

At Rich Central I began looking outward

Greg was still awkward, God was waiting.

I left the nest for Arizona

Greg failed, God said “Be Not Afraid.”

I recovered at Jr. College,

I learned this was not a step down, God stepped up.

I went to St Xavier,

I thought to live my faith, God introduced me to Tammy.

At Governors State I rekindled my analytical chemistry joy,

It was going Greg’s way, God laughed at my naivety.

I moved to DeKalb to seek the Ph.D.,

I learned it was as far as Arizona at times, God pushed me on.

At NIU I found my step,

Greg thought he was faithful, God wasn’t fooled.

I married my missing rib,

Two became one, God blessed the covenant.

I was on top at Alpharma,

Greg welcomes two girls, God filled our lives with love.

My first downsizing came,

Greg lost his swagger, God let me lean on Him.

We started again in KC,

Greg recovered and praised, God welcomed me back. 

Working again in Harrisonville,

Greg’s ego was bruised, God liked the humbling.

Back in Animal Health at Bayer,

Greg’s career not safe, God offered opportunity.

Jumped across town to Pfizer,

Kept family in KC, God knew better.

The trio was completed with girl #3,

Who would name a girl “Grace?” God laughed as well.

Then came downsizing again,

Tammy cried at the change, God had plans.

In Michigan we began to appreciate,

Yet, Greg lacked gratitude, God knew his heart.

God called Joe home,

First loss of a dad, God offered solace. 

All were surprised at downsizing #3,

Greg brought the family home to Illinois, God provided strength.

The new company was a challenge,

But family was safe, God began changing priorities.

Our life revolved around dance,

The focus was fun, God knew it was only sport.

God called Dorothy home,

A matriarch was gone, God welcomed her spirit.

My Dad then passed as well,

The world seemed more empty, God reminded us to hope.

Greg joined the Order of Deacons,

The Church called Greg to service, God called him to witness.

God called his buddy Peter,

Greg felt alone in his calling, God embraced a soldier.

God called Greg’s mom,

The road was a little rocky, God smoothed the path.

Time to pay for Colleges,

Greg thankful for ability, God provided abundantly.

Time for Weddings

Greg welcomed new sons, God united families.

Now Greg and Tammy delight in their grandchildren,

Greg doesn’t feel old, God showered blessings anew.

God called Kelly home,

First of my generation to go, God opened His arms.

Pending retirement,

Greg tries to be patient, God will guide his path.

What’s next? No Rocking chair,

Time for Greg to trust, God preparing new journeys.

Eternity awaits,

Greg is not ready, God will decide.

That’s my discernment and it has been a wonderful and blessed ride. I would love to read your journey as well!