When I Grow Up

Lately my children have been fixated on what they are going to be when they grow up. They are at the best age for this because for them, the possibilities are infinite. No one has yet told them that their dreams are unrealistic or too hard or just plain impossible. Their aspirations are ever changing and often reflective of what they are watching, wearing, or doing at that moment.

For the entire summer Madeline wanted to be a doctor. She was staunch and unwavering in this, no matter who asked her the question. It became such common knowledge in our family, that at one point Rebecca's career path ( a nurse for Maddie's doctor office) was directly related to her sister's chosen profession. Fast forward a couple of months and the new dream is to be a ballerina. Never mind the fact that she is built short and round like her mother and is completely without rhythm. She is going to be a ballet girl and that is it. Rebecca has been fairly consistent in that she wants to be a cheerleader. Cute outfits and getting to jump and yell? Sign her up! Occasionally she wants to be a cowgirl . . . I wonder what she will think when she discovers that she could by a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Daniel's imagination has been the most active, which I'm sure is a credit to his age. This week he has wanted to be a robot designer, soldier (because his dad got to eat donuts in the army), and a rock star who plays the piano.

Listening to the kids and their hopes and dreams for the future, I cannot help but reminisce about what mine were as a child. The earliest desire that I can remember was to be a writer. I wrote everything from poems to short stories, and even attempted a book in elementary school. Later, as life happened, and writing became less creative and more analytical, the dream was forgotten. How wonderful to have rediscovered that desire! I could not ask for better fodder than my children, whose imagination is alive, tangible and inspirational.