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Friday, August 04, 2006

Sunday Scribblings, Who Else I Might Have Been?

Sunday Scribblings: To quote this blog directly, "Sunday Scribblings was set up to provide inspiration and motivation for anyone who enjoys writing and would like a weekly challenge."

Check this place out - I've decided to participate. "Has there been a dramatic crossroads in your life? A road not taken? If you had taken a left turn instead of a right that day back in 1980... might your whole life had turned out differently?"

I think there are several points in my life where I took a left turn (or could have taken that right turn) and everything in my life changed forever. What if I decided to give up on college? What if I took that job offer in Houston 10 years ago? What if I married the first man that asked me? I think back on all those roads not ventured with a sigh of relief. I feel that no matter what clouded my judgement, I always listened to that "little voice" in the end - and she's guided me well.

There is one life-changing event that sticks out more than the others, and it wasn't so much a decision as it was a reaction. My now husband and I hadn't been dating long, and I wasn't taking the relationship seriously (I know that's no real surprise to some of you who have known me for a long time). We stopped talking for a period of time, and it was pretty much over. Suddenly, one day - someone very close to me attempted suicide. It shook my foundation - and I wasn't sure of anything at that very moment; it was like I was watching a movie about someone else's life. In my state of shock, despair and confusion - I dialed his number. He was the first person I thought of. Regardless of the recent ugliness between us, he came immediately and helped me through the hardest thing that has ever happened in my life. I had such an epiphany during those first few days - and I was changed forever. I had a grasp on the short time we're here and how that can change forever, and I knew this man would never, ever let me down.

Having said all that - it's odd that so many good things came out of something so scary and disturbing! Isn't it strange how one thing can change our whole lives? Hubby and I could have gone our separate ways forever, I could have endlessly dated Mr. Wrong and still be single and angry. My relationship with the suicide survivor changed forever as well, I think we have more of an understanding after that fateful evening about each other and our roles in the other's life. While I wish it would have never happened, as there are still unanswered variables and it was seriously close to successful... what a left turn.

8 comments:

Becca said...

It is interesting (and a little scary!) to contemplate the way one small decision or action can alter the course of our lives. I'm glad your pivotal moment worked out so well in the end!

I enjoyed your post.
Welcome to Sunday Scribblings!

Anonymous said...

Lora, I loved reading this! You and Karl were meant to be and its interesting that it took such a dramatic incidence in your life to see that. Wow.

I think I will check out the Sunday Scribblings too! Thanks for pointing it out I had never heard of it!

LoraLoo said...

Becca: Thanks for stopping by! I am off to visit your little corner of blogland now...

Barbara: It is funny how it all worked out, ya know? I actually thought of you when I found the Sunday Scribblings, because I do think it's something you'll enjoy doing!

Teri said...

Wow, that was an awesome story. It really helps me to see things in a different perspective. Often times I think about that, and the more I realize things are meant to happen for a reason.

Martin said...

Great story, hon. I'm happy that you felt that need to reach out to someone during a time like that and that he was the one you wanted to call. B) Sometimes the paths we do and don't take are very important as we learn so much from each of those steps. Wrong steps are only wrong when you don't learn from them. Karl is a very lucky man. B)

LoraLoo said...

Teri: It is eerie sometimes how everything seems to just make sense in the grand scheme of things. Much easier to see from the outside of the situation until one ponders back...

Martin: Ah yes, well... timing is everything, isn't it? It is important we do make mistakes and learn from them, it shapes who we are - without a doubt.

New White Keds said...

I am not a particularly religious person, but I do take solace in the idea that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. We may not know the reason at the time, but in hindsight, it always works out for the best. So whether it is that little voice, a gut instinct or the Big Man upstairs, those roads untraveled are that way for a reason.

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.

Nik said...

Now that was some thought-provoking stuff there and it just goes to show you that you and Karl are definately meant to be together. I'm glad that things didn't go as planned as far as your friend goes and I wish your friend the best always.