The Yellow Brick Road

     Today, I bought a birthday card for someone who has been in my life for a relatively short time but has gained my respect and adoration, becoming a valued friend. The front reads, "It's not where you go, but who you meet along the way." Ignoring the cheesy image of the characters from Wizard of Oz, I opened to the inside to see that it continued, "I'm glad our paths crossed" followed by the requisite happy birthday wishes. Wiping tears from my leaking eyes (yes, I am that woman who weeps in the card aisle as I search for just the right message for that special someone), I put the card in my cart and eased on down the aisle. Mission accomplished.

     I looked at the card again when I pulled in my driveway. I sat in my car for a few moments and let the words really speak to me: it's who you meet along the way.

     Although it's rare to see me skipping and singing---OK, you will NEVER see me skipping and singing--I have really enjoyed my yellow brick road so far.  My blessings have been great while my miseries have been few and far between. And, when I count my blessings, they almost always have faces attached.  Things don't mean much to me; people do.  Ask any of my close friends, and they will tell you I am a purger, rarely holding onto things that aren't useful or helpful to me anymore.  And, I will ashamedly admit at times I have done this with people, but never with the same callousness.

     Life really is one long and winding yellow brick road. Sometimes you meet people without hearts. Often, you meet people who lack courage. Lots of times, you meet people without brains.  And, you even come across some witches.  But, ultimately, it is up to you to decide how you interact with these people who cross your path and whose paths you cross.

     Just keep me away from those damn flying monkeys.

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