'd undertake a brutally honest assessment of the reflection in the mirror after experiencing the worst regret in my life in late spring 2003--not an easy task. But to figure out and overcome what held me back from proposing and marrying Jill, I couldn't allow anything to continue taking up space in my mind, living rent-free, impacting my present or future. Adrienne is who I confided in. Nothing earth-shattering, but it brought us closer long before we ever talked about marriage. Loved ones would test me a decade later, including one who had me feeling almost broken at times. Its outcome was unfortunate, but the life lessons were invaluable. I became spiritually aware in my teens; I wouldn't know its name until decades later. As a spiritual being on a human journey, I needed to learn more about myself and grow. Hindsight would confirm this and the purpose for the pain. I was "walking the Red Road."