She hopes that her decisions are good ones. Hope and Uncertainty have been her companions on this journey. Had she known she would be called to walk this road she would have either worked to prepare or she would have bolted – run from this responsibility that has somehow nestled itself onto her shoulders. The preparation would have focused more on building trust, appreciating what was good, working to understand and lots of research. The bolting would have meant turning her back on the people and values that she holds dear, that give her life purpose, meaning and fulfillment. Again, today, she finds she needs to make choices. She needs to decide what is best, what is most loving, what is most helpful. She wonders if it is wise to wait or if she needs to act now. She is reassured by Hope while the claws of Uncertainty sink even further into her confidence. There are those who call out to her from the sidelines. She grasps at these morsels of unexpected help, words of direction, clues of what may be laying ahead, and strength to face the unknown. Their words and actions offer nourishment that enables her to continue with some energy in her steps. There are marked pit stops along the journey where she expects help, relief and rest. Here she often finds indifference, unwillingness and criticism. She turns away feeling very alone, often angry and always puzzled. Puzzled that while they man their post with great pride their offerings are only shallow and empty. Puzzled because she continues to hope. How did she come to be on this road? It wasn’t her choice. Was it chosen for her or was it because she could not bring herself to walk away the pain and suffering, or both? She trudges on, Hope and Uncertainty are her companions.