Choices

"We are free to make our own choices in this life. However, we are not free from the consequences that come as a result of those choices".
I recently began working in an inpatient psych unit. We also have a section of the floor for detox patients. I watch some of these patients, and my heart aches for them as I realize that they are all someone's children here on Earth. More importantly (and more sad), they are also ALL children of Heavenly Father, my literal brothers and sisters. That simple gospel principle hits pretty hard to the core often times with some of the things I see.
Many of the patients in detox have chosen (at some point) the path that they now walk everyday. It makes me reflect on 2 things:
1. Why did they choose this path in the 1st place?
2. Will they EVER be able to conquer these demons during their life on Earth, or will their peace come after this life when they can be free from the bondage that came as a result of some choices made with poor insight and judgement?
I find myself asking why, why WHY? Sometimes so much that I could drive myself crazy. My comfort comes in knowing that their comfort will one day come from the tremendous miracle of the atonement:
"It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior's promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us.....And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help". (President Henry B Eyring)

Unfortunately, the answers do not all come right now. Those unresolved issues are an elemental part of our mortal test. However, the good news of the gospel is that the atonement is available on so many levels for all of God's children, if they will just start with the tinniest particle of faith and invite the Savior into their life.