Blog: All Roads Lead to Home

I went on a long anticipated vacation a few weeks ago, to a secluded cabin in the mountains. The directions I was given indicated no street address; instead, I was instructed to count the milestones along the highway.

On a road trip, milestones provide reference points and are used to reassure travelers that the correct path is being followed. They can indicate either distance traveled or the remaining distance to a destination.

Milestones were originally used during the Roman Empire. Roman roads began in Rome, and led out of the city, hence the saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” 

A milestone can also be defined as a significant life event, such as a birthday, graduation or marriage.  I’ve noticed that the older I get, the quicker those milestones seem to arrive. 

My children’s milestones were observed in the same home that I was raised in. We celebrated those events in grand style, planning and organizing the occasions weeks in advance.  Yet, I've noticed that it was during the quiet moments, between the milestones, that lasting memories were made.  

Whether it was picking blackberries in the backyard or learning to ride a two-wheeler out front; going fishing at the lake or buying ice cream at the drugstore (and later feeding the cones to the begging squirrels)— it was those rest stops, between the milestones, that brought joy to the journey.

It is said that the days are long, but the years are short. 

It seems like just yesterday that I was a young mother, exhausted on a daily basis from running in every direction after five energetic young children. Today they’re all grown, with families of their own, and now it’s their turn to try and memorize the moments, as they begin to realize how brief the time with their children actually is.

As our family continues to celebrate birthdays and baptisms, babies and blessings, I’ve come to understand that milestones may direct the course of our lives, but it’s the special moments in between that determine the quality of our lives. Moments often taken for granted, like wildflowers along the roadside.

Although the scenery may change throughout life’s travels and loved ones may depart this journey before us, as we continue to gather together as a family, counting the milestones and memorizing the moments, one thing will always remain certain — all roads lead to home.