If I had seen how much pain and sadness were on this path, would I have walked it anyway?

I want to say yes, but I'm not sure.  I mean yes, I've lost a lot; but, look at what I've won.  I can look back and see that it wasn't always lonely.  There were moments of joy and laughter.  But they were only moments.  The times between were drawn out in endless emptiness.  I gave it everything I had - I truly did.  It simply wasn't enough; and, sometimes, it was nothing at all. 

If I had known when this started that it would end this way, would I have done it anyway?

I want to say no, but that may not be true.  Yes, it all feels wasted now.  Yes, I feel like my chance to choose the right path is gone.  But maybe this gravel road fit me better than one paved in gold.  Maybe the lessons I learned the hard way will make it easier for the girls when they set off on their own journeys.  And, maybe the means justify the end.

Right or wrong.  Running in blind or walking out wide-eyed. There is no simple answer when the questions cut so deep.