Unpaved Pathways: The personal and professional challenges encountered while stumbling along the path.

by Joyce Bowersock Keating, David Reedy (Editor)

Born and raised in an era so foreign to this modern world, the author shares her life decade by decade. She was welcomed into this world as World War II began in Europe. The excitement of young men returning from war left an indelible mark on her memory, especially the unexpected early return of her father. In a time and town when divorce was deemed a disgrace, she confronts her first trauma that sends waves of gossip throughout the tight-knit community where aberrant behavior is declared the number one conversational topic over coffee in the morning. Subtle rebellion becomes her way of crying out for answers that are really never fully forthcoming. But wisdom coupled with compassion emerges from surprising sources that know when to let her spread her wings and exactly when to clip them. An amazing opportunity was presented to her and she stepped into a world that was both foreign and yet familiar. She learns from the examples of those who surround her as she develops confidence and responsibilities from a remarkable source. As she marries, she is determined that her family will follow the “Father Knows Best” pattern. She was blessed with a handsome husband, beautiful children, and a lovely home, so the scenario she was seeking had all the ingredients necessary to have that happy ever after theme. Reality finally sets in as secrets and complications abound, revealing that the husband she married is no longer the same person. Marital mending requires new vocabulary such as coping skills, psychologist, depression, abuse, instability, lies and hoarding. She finds great comfort and stability within the confines of the classroom as her profession brings her the calm and confidence and keeps her sanity sound. Her pursuit of more training provides a balance and opportunities that she never thought about seeking for herself. One simple phone call is all that was needed for her to break through the anger, fears, and frustrations and be set free to finally become the woman she unknowingly was meant to be. Most content to continue as a classroom teacher for the rest of her career, she once again has been offered an opportunity to accept many more responsibilities and finds herself actually breaking new ground for women and becomes a victim of harassment and emotional abuse from a very familiar source. As thoughts of independence become a reality after 35 years of married life, a major surprise is sent to her from Florida. The circle of life for several loved ones is almost at 360 degrees and a close friend of many years might provide an opportunity for true happiness if she has the courage as the pathway is daring and could lead to many complications.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2020