The Unchosen Road

By Lory Macrate

September 24th, 2026

I painted this a few years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma – the beginning of a scary trip down a road I didn’t choose and never expected to travel. There have been times when I could see only as far as the next curve, but somehow, I’ve kept moving forward. The guardrail signifies the people who have stood beside me. The heavy clouds reflect the fear and uncertainty that can overshadow everything, but there’s a sliver of blue sky that represents hope. The transforming colors of the autumn leaves remind me that change can be both difficult and beautiful. Cancer has changed the way see time and the people I love. I embrace every ordinary moment. The road disappears into the distance and I still don't know what lies ahead. But I’ve learned to follow it one curve and one day at a time.