The road less traveled

Time: 1:19pm
Weather: Overcast
Music: none
Mood: stubbornly optimistic
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      Upon writing this I am happy that I took a little bit more time to reflect upon this last walk with Gao. To be honest I saw a lot of myself in Gao and I think she would say the same. Last Saturday, I met a fellow patient - also diagnosed with a terminal case of wander lust. From Scotland to Korea we had walked similar paths and delved into each of these rich cultures.While she attended St. Katherine's, my sister school, we both strove after understanding and excellence in our respective fields. She recounted her projects and writing assignments with great fervor and passion - more than I've ever heard from an accounting major.
      Her creativity really sparked within her writing when she was able to include her family and their experiences. Gao, though the youngest of 11, possessed a strong sense of purpose and unshakable love for her family and relatives. At first, the distinction between herself and her family was very clear but as we continued to walk they blended together wonderfully. She saw a lot of her life experiences and aspirations in light of her family not in the shadow of a predetermined path or expectation.
      Her perspective has successfully melded her family bonds with her sense of self and mission in life. Often only the shortcomings of a family are the source of negative inspiration. "I won't turn into my mother" or "i'll treat my family different than my father" but for her, she gathered all of these precious moments of family wisdom and added her own flare and narrative.
     Gao has retaught me the value of family and strength of these bonds. The American obsession with rebellion instead of listening was successfully thwarted. I witnessed the celebration of Gao's family in her responses and enthusiasm. Each of her family members has lent her colors with which to paint a vibrant and rich narrative. Her family is not so much an intrusion but rather an infusion of life and vitality to encourage and support her future growth. I am so pleased to have met someone who has embraced the soil they were planted in and have made it their own.

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