COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler…”
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost has always held a special place in my heart. My mother knew it verbatim and would often recite it to my siblings and me, if asked. Her rendition of the poem was always moving and without error. When she recounted the colorful images of the prose, there was always something deeper. There was a wistful mood that occupied the space of those within earshot, as if the poem itself was an allegory for her life. The sentimental lens from which the feelings in that poem were channeled by her, validated to me that life was a series of choices, and there was no right answer.
Different paths lead to different choices and opportunities. She encouraged us to challenge ourselves and to be ready for the adventure that lay ahead.
Like most military members I left my home at the tender age of 18 and joined the Air Force, not as a result of Frost’s parable, but as a conscience decision to be a part of something bigger then myself. It was a decision many have made, but still the road less traveled when considering that less than one-half of 1 percent of Americans have served.
Last week, Richard “Sonic” Johnson, 14th Flying Training Wing Chief of Public Affairs, unintentionally added something to this lifelong metaphor of the journey I have been on. He was telling me of a quote he enjoyed, and his words seemed predictable before he finished his statement. He could not attribute to whom the quote originated, so I will give him the credit until proven otherwise. He began, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you know why.” My mind wanted to fill the blank with “the day you die,” but this was so much more profound. From this simple thought, my life has changed. It has planted with me, the seeds of a philosophical debate I believe we should all have within ourselves.
What is your purpose?
What impact have you had? Whose life have you changed? What other impact can you make? How will you prepare yourself, so that when you get your chance you are ready to make the difference? I wish I had the answer. I wish I could confidently give advice to those who sought my counsel. What I can fall back on is the limited experiences I have had and the examples of those I respect and admire. I believe a great place to start is by trying to make others a success. As my life and career enter the yellow wood, my efforts toward the success of others will be my path.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”