Today is a milestone of a setback. This setback brought me great pain and suffering but also brought me the greatest joy and has helped make me the person I am today. After many years, I can look back and name the “victories” that this setback eventually brought to me – greater independence, inner strength and courage, deeper relationships with friends and family, a stronger connection to my values and my faith, and the blessing of the most important person in my life.

As I think about the thread of my life I often wonder what might have been different with a change of direction at past key junctures or decision points. What if I had married my high school sweetheart? What if I had taken a different career path? What if I had relocated to a different place (or not left “home” at all)? What different people would have touched my life thread, what different experience would I have had and what would I have learned?

Would have – could have – should have……. I recognize all my blessings and will raise a toast tonight for my life milestones and all they have given me.