I am thankful for the divergent paths in my life. At the time, each seemed to distance me from someone or something cherished. But, these paths--whether rocky, smooth, twisted, straight, well-lit, foggy, rutted, or resurfaced--have strengthened my adaptive muscles. Just as my cross-country training in high school continues to be a benefit when years and pounds weigh me down, my adjustment time to the varying landscape of life's seasons often pushes me to a "personal best."