An Outing with Aunt Andrea

On the Road Less Traveled

Drawing by Andrea

Andrea’s drawing of a path through the woods looks like the road less traveled that is described in a poem which was written by the Vermont poet, Robert Frost

• The first printing of this picture story was in 2002, when Andrea’s oldest niece was 13 and her youngest nephew was a new born. The purpose at time was to show the children that even though Aunt Andrea couldn’t express herself with words, she had thoughts and ideas that were worth sharing. The road that she was traveling in life was different then theirs but that she was making the best of the journey.

Now, five years later, the oldest niece has just graduated from high school and the youngest nephew will be starting school in the fall. They are both starting out on roads that have been traveled by others in the family but will be confronted with choices that may take them onto divergent roads.

Hopefully, this booklet will show them that it isn’t necessarily the road itself, but rather how you travel it that counts.

Brandon Vermont 2007

Having choices and The Road Not Taken

The Vermont poet Robert Frost is famous for many poems about living in the country. These poems have many meanings and ideas that are important for understanding ourselves and each other. In this case the poem is about how we handle the many choices that we face in life.

The Road Not Taken and the Robert Frost Trail- Ripton, Vt.

Without having a choice, Andrea has been forced onto a road less traveled. She has made the best of her journey and she is an example for the rest of us to make the best of our own journey in Life.

Andrea’s Road Not Taken

If she had a choice early in life, she would probably have picked the road that would have allowed her a life that the rest of us take for granted.

On the Road Less, Traveled Andrea has had to accept a helping hand from many different

people

At times though, it seems that Andrea is leading us on our path of life.

and, like the rest of us, she enjoys being Needed.

Andrea usually asks to carry the knapsack. Of course it usually contains the snacks and lunch but more importantly, she is making a contribution to the day’s activities.

As well as being accepted

“Mom and I have chosen the same colors. They say that the hat makes the person. In Dad’s case, let’s hope this isn’t the case!”

and respecting each other’s opinions

“Ya know mom, I hear what you are saying but I wonder where that other trail goes?”

While maintaining honesty

“Hey, I really saw a little person under that mushroom!”

And being brave

“Whoa! I think that is a bear over there in the bushes making all that noise!”

But also having a little fun with a joke

“You saw what? A Shark? No I don’t think there are any sharks in this small stream.”

as well as accepting each other’s mistakes

“Ugh! I think you forgot to put some sugar in this lemonade!”

and finally, being thankful and happy

no matter what road we take in life. For Andrea, happiness is coming from the road less traveled out into the community and being able to travel on the road that most people are able to take, enjoying each other’s company and being able to walk with the rest of the world.

Our own roadJust as Aunt Andrea has shown, it doesn’t really matter what road we choose, as long as we hold ourselves to the basic principles of accepting responsibilities, having respect for ourselves and others and being honest with our thoughts and ideas.

A silent Voice publication - Aug.02

Aunt Andrea is one of many silent voices in the world. Others are the homeless, the politically disenfranchised and the victims of violence. In Andrea’s case, she doesn’t have the gift of speech but because many people have helped her, she is able to enjoy many of life’s pleasures. One is being able to express the love that she feels for each one of her nieces and nephews. Her gentle touch to each new born is her statement. A second pleasure for her is being able to express her feelings with her drawings. This is her way of sharing her sense of beauty, color and balance. Just as with the other silent voices in the world, we have to learn to listen to what they have to say. Then, those of us with voices, will be able to bring happiness to others.