Embracing life’s unforeseen journey is similar to dealing with the twisted knot you feel in your stomach when encountering the detour ahead sign on the road.

Life is quite like a rollercoaster ride, filled with exhilarating ups, challenging downs, and flavored with the surprise of delays and turns in the road. It’s funny how we don’t get to choose the timing on facing the unexpected.

I look back on my life with mixed emotions. As a young adult, I pictured how I would be spending my days once I had reached retirement age. Along the way I have accumulated quite a lengthy to-do list of things I have hoped and dreamed to be involved with in my “golden years.”

I fancy myself an artist at heart and a fine art painter with an additional propensity to pursue crafting projects of all sorts. As career and job-related activities have consumed more and more of the hours of my days, and my energy level has waned with age, the crafting and art supplies have gathered a thick layer of dust.

My bucket list continues to grow longer and more elaborate while I daydream about what might fill my days ahead. The aspirations remain close to my consciousness and are not blemished by the delay of their pursuit, however the realization has set in that I must adapt to the path where I really find myself.

I need to find contentment and be grateful for where I actually am. I don’t want to give into feelings of disappointment although my expectations are not aligning with my dream life reality. I try to stay open to discovering new opportunities for growth and self-discovery that await me through the detours, obstacles and challenges that I am navigating.

Where do you find yourself on the rollercoaster of life?

I swap stories and converse with a food pantry visitor in her 70s who has overcome many obstacles and also has celebrated victories in her personal life. I will use fictional names to guard her privacy.

Emma lives in a Cassville neighborhood. She spent years faithfully tending a once vibrant and productive garden with her late husband James. Unfortunately, her manicured garden is now overgrown and neglected.

Emma explained that as a young adult, she had dreamed of retirement as a time of ease and tranquility, where she could spend her day’s leisurely pursuing hobbies, tending the garden and doing a bit of traveling with James.

Her reality turned out to be quite different and she was forced to face an unexpected detour. James succumbed to some health issues and passed away a few years ago. She found herself a widow and living on a fixed income.

In another heart wrenching turn of events, Emma, who is a caring grandmother, had to step forward and take her grandchildren in to live with her. This compassionate decision was prompted by the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her son and daughter-in-law, who are grappling with drug use and unable to provide a stable environment for the children.

Retirement has definitely become a world far removed from the peaceful vision she once held. Emma couldn’t bear the thought of her grandchildren being raised by others. She has welcomed them into her home with open arms, even though she is living on a fixed income and facing the challenges of food insecurity herself.

Her granddaughter is a teenager with dreams of becoming a nurse, and grandson is a curious and energetic intermediate- schooler. Both children bring joy to Emma’s life, but also have added unexpected financial burdens.

Emma is courageous to take such depth of responsibility upon herself. This unique courage seems like that described by Theodore Roosevelt who said, “Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength.”

Emma learned about the food pantry from friends who suggested an option to seek assistance. Admittedly she says she had to swallow her pride when she decided to seek help. The food pantry has provided her with essentials to survive while also extending kindness and compassion.

She did not choose this path. She needed to seek out the help of the community. This scenario was not how Emma envisioned her life would turn out. Emma sought out help for the survival of her family.

Winston S. Churchill said, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes, we must do what is required.”

Emma does not take the assistance for granted. Her words are, “I have been gifted with a newfound sense of hope. I feel blessed by the community’s support during my time of need. With some of the weight lifted, the constant worry relieved a bit, I can focus on helping the kids get through daily tasks and finish school.”

Despite life’s curveballs, the essence of a comfortable retirement might be found embraced by the love and warmth of community. All our hearts hunger for not having to bear our burdens alone.

Janet Mills is the director of Cassville Pantry, located at 800 W. 10th St. in Cassville. She may be reached at cassvillepantry@ gmail.com or 417-846-7871.