Excerpt from *Certain Women*

I remembered my Book Journal this morning and so I've been reading and writing in it. A few years ago I read Certain Women by Madeleine L'Engle. I remember this passage from time to time. It is a pivotal moment in the book:

"When Norma was young, she had a terrible time--she nearly died. I
spent several days with her after--after a very bad time in my own
life. Norma told me that when she was well and able to think again, the
wise woman of her tribe told her that she was at a crossroads."

Sophie looked across the table enquiringly.

Emma smiled at Sophie. "The wise old woman said that one road led to
a funeral and the other to a wedding. Norma said, 'I chose the wedding
(35).'"