47 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 9 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
OpEdNews Op Eds   

"The Path"

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   1 comment
Message Debby Bodkin
Become a Fan
  (1 fan)
As an American, the September 11, 2001 tragedy has changed the life path of all Americans and is one of many "forks in the road" that we experience during our lifetimes. Our society has also faced many other "forks in the road" during the past 5 years, the clergy sex abuse scandals that erupted in 2002, immigration reform, a war against terrorism and the ongoing debates relating to defining the institution of marriage.

We walk "The Path" both as individuals and together, as a society. We may not fully understand how a "fork in the road" and personal choices affect our society as a whole. For this reason, the words below are shared in support of our freedoms as Americans to make personal choices each time we meet a "fork in the road". "The Path" is shared with love, faith and hope.

"The Path"

We were all sent down the path on September 11, 2001. We did not choose the path nor would we have ever chosen.

It is the path that no one would choose -- innocent lives were destroyed and we were betrayed. Five years later how wonderful it seems at first, bright and promising that we are working for peace, before it turns dark and hostile with that ominous silencing.

There came a time after September 11, 2001 that the path seemed to fork. We finally had a choice: Remain on the path we were given or travel a new path that we created. Taking the things that were done, the unspeakable betrayal, and DO something with it.

I made the choice--to turn "garbage into roses".
I made the choice to meet others on the path, to
journey alongside them, crying with them, yelling with them, being silent with them, just to let them know that they are not alone. Because I know that devastating aloneness. And, they should not be alone on that path, NOT NOW, NOT EVER.

Making this choice -- reclaims ME!
But in that choice, I also acknowledge that I can only journey with them if I myself am still journeying, still creating, still moving forward, however slow it may be at times, still choosing. And I acknowedge that I stand not alone in that choice.

I stand with you who have also made that choice.
Together we turn in support and solidarity of each other; We turn to those who know no choice, to offer to them the support and understanding we offer to each other.

Together, we remind each other who we are and what we're about. Together, we ground each other and learn to care for each other and I learn to care for myself, without losing myself as I once did.

And so we continue to journey to find peace. To walk "This Path" together. This path, that now WE have chosen.
Rate It | View Ratings

Debby Bodkin Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

As an amateur writer, mother, wife and legal secretary for the past 25 years, my passion for the courage of clergy sex abuse victims, their families and mandated reporters, who made a choice to protect children, before their own career security and (more...)
 
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder -- PLEASE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!

Is the Vatican A Safe Haven? Thank You President Bush!

Patterns of Political ENABLERS Are Set in Stone!

WE ARE OUT OF TIME---PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!

Clergy Sex Abuse Scandals & Modern Day Hate Crimes

False Claims Act -- Are You a Victim Too?

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend