Has anyone ever noticed that some truths have to be learned, but can't be taught? These are the things that can only be learned by doing. Recently, I have realized one of these truths. After the ponderings of the last post I realized something: To gain, one must lose. Seems like it can't be true because the two contradict each other, yet it is. I can't think of many examples, but there are countless numbers of them out there. One I can come up with is the step to college. I left home to go to college in Bloomington/ Normal. I had to leave the home I knew, the town I loved, and everything that was familiar. In order to gain my independence, I had to lose all that I knew.

Some consider it a high price and never leave home. Others are only to eager to leave home and set out anew. I was one of the latter. I couldn't wait to get out of there, but it wasn't without some trepidation. I worried about whether I was going to the right school, and how I would survive. I feared the unknown.

In the end I am glad of the road that I have traveled, even if it has been a bumpy, rutted road at best. I had to give up my comfort, but I gained my freedom. I had to lose to gain.