When I grow up...

Being Grown Up

I was doing a bit of daydreaming today, remembering what I thought, as a child my life would be like when I was grown up. It is hard to say what I thought grown up was, but I know that I was sure my life would be like the plot of a mystery/adventure/romance /suspense/gothic/science-fiction/comic novel. It would be filled with fast-paced action, with meaningful dialogue interspersed with lengthy descriptions of exotic places, fascinating people- people who were my close, personal friends since childhood. People would respect my work and my ideas; I would have time for art, music, charities, overseas escapades, and meaningful relationships with strong, sensitive, exciting, handsome men, who would all want me and would try to win my undying affection. All this would be to no avail, of course, because I would have a more universal purpose than mere romance- a higher purpose:

I would be a lawyer, defending the helpless and misunderstood against the evil tyranny of corporate moguls and mafia bosses.
I would be a journalist, capturing the corrupt, the illegal, the guilty, and the ruthless- in scathing expose’, revealing their true character and righting wrongs with my pen.
I would be an artist, bringing to life with my paint and brush the youth and the struggle or an era, defining the society and the people who shaped it- making a statement about the journey that society was taking.
I would be President, making a bold and fresh step toward a country of which we could be proud, where the American dream was still alive, children had food and a future, moral battles were fought with words, not with guns and bombs, and hard work was still appreciated and rewarded. I would inspire my people to rise above what they are, and become what they are capable of being.

Today I sit and wonder how many children dream this dream as they plan for their futures. And how many will reach the moment of disillusionment and sadness too early, seeing these dreams slowly fade with the reality of violence, disparity, and greed that has infiltrated the very fabric of our community, our nation, our world. And I wonder why we sit back and let it happen- and call it progress.