Many of you have written over the years to say that an essay touched your life or allowed you to look at an issue from a different point of view. That's why I've called the blog Open Road, for it invites all of you to bring yourselves to the story, no matter where you might be. The path is always open to follow, be it the one I offer or the one upon which you're already traveling. In the past five years I've created written snapshots of moments in time to which we can all relate. From enduring a harsh Midwestern winter or welcoming the beauty of springtime, from experiencing quiet miracles to wondering what the future might bring, I've found that I'm in very good company...and more often than not, I've also discovered our individual journeys intersect at the perfect moment.