Growing Up

Tonight my youngest child asked me what I want to be when I grow up. Obviously a question that is on the minds of children and young adults. Even a young child thinks about such things. But just as obviously, it isn't a practical question for someone my age. I'm past the big "four-oh", I have a job, and I really can't afford to start over on something else. Once upon a time I had a dream, but I didn't have the grades or diligence to pursue it. Then I had another dream, but I ran out of steam after 8 years in university. Finally I had a third dream, but the legitimate responsibilities of life meant it was impossible. So here I am. I am grown up. I have a good job and I would like to think I'm reasonably good at it. I have much to be thankful for. But I wish my children wouldn't ask me what my dreams are, because I don't have a lot of dreams left. That isn't a tragedy; it's just reality.