Scott Sykes:  

Life For many years of my adolescence I wanted to be 16 so I could drive. When I was 16, I wanted to be 18 so I could be on my own. When I was 18, I wanted to be 21 so I could be trusted. When I was 21, I wanted to be 25 so I could be responsible. When I was 25, I wanted to be 30 so I could get it over with. When I was 40 I wanted to be 16 so I could do it all over again. Based on lifespan projections, I have lived over half of my life. If I am good to myself and life is good to me I will live as long as my grandfather who, in spite of his age and illness, is full of fun at 94. Now, instead of wanting to be 16 again I would rather see my grandchildren grow up and have is much fun, love, and life's experiences without all of the troubles I caused in seeking challenges, fun, and autonomy. I hope as I age I can be a teacher yet always continue to learn about myself and my place in the world and the world itself. From early in my young adulthood I followed the path of the poem by Robert Frost, "A Road Not Taken". It has made all the difference. The road took me to many places I would like to revisit and some that I would rather avoid. I am a person of many stories but few glories. I have made decisions that created roadblocks I never expected to evolve and I have made decisions that gave me opportunities I saw from a distance would be my long term goals that I could some day attain and maintain. Like nearly everyone I wonder "what if". What if I had... What if I had not... If a time machine could take me back, I am not sure I would be willing to go. How far back cou...Expand for more