I’ve lost count of how many people have tried the derail my dreams and ambitions throughout life. Perhaps it’s because I never kept count of them, but I’m sure I can keep it on both hands if I counted those who genuinely and sincerely encouraged me to dream and reach. This brings me to my deck, overlooking my lush, suburban backyard, with my two kids playing and my wife standing by…a series of realized dreams themselves.
My daughter and I watched curiously entertained as her younger brother crept up on a fat, furry squirrel. My son, with a minnow net held intentionally high above his head, apparently knew that to catch a squirrel you really need that arc for a solid swoop. The squirrel unknowingly gnawed on a nut on the opposite side of a tree. My daughter waited until the net missed and the rodent moved unthreatened a few feet away, then she went into a quite smart monologue to her brother about how the beast could eat through the net, if it would even fit into such a small thing, and if caught would probably bite off my son’s nose, or some series of misfortune based not upon squelching his ambition, but on her growing understanding of reality and the world we share.
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About then, I realized my role as a father was to support the reality my children’s dreams, so I balanced her honest assault with a few birds-eye tips to him of where the squirrel was headed and cheering him on to accomplish what those of us watching from the deck thought might just be impossible. Not wanting to ignore her maturing response, I commented that sometimes a trip to the ER and some rabies shots are the price you pay to catch a good squirrel. Dreams don’t come cheap, but they’re a lot sweeter when you feel someone else knew you could do it.
I love reading your introspections. 🙂 Your kids (ALL of them) are lucky to have you.
Colleen – I think we all have them…I just write mine down and share. 🙂 Your kids are equally blessed. Go teach Tex!
You are getting to be a smarter man and better Daddy than most anyone (except maybe mine and yours) and it is good to havbe such an example as you to point others toward emulating. (Spelling is not impotent – aren’t you glad I didn’s spell it immolate?)
Pop, from what I hear I have good jeans. 😉
Walt, as much as I’ve enjoyed your blogs this year, the real pleasure has been in sharing time with you with your kids.
With 3 grown-up daughters, and now 7 grandkids, as well as my own father being an elementary teacher, I have always been aware of the rigors and rewards of the teaching profession. Not many can focus the attention of a few dozen wildly different individuals. Your level of commitment and caring that makes you a stand-out in your field, and you make it look easy.
It has been my pleasure to spend a small amount of time there when I could.
I wish you all the best, and much success netting squirrels.
Craig
Big Craig – Yours is an experienced eye and voice that makes such a compliment very valuable. Thank you for being a part of our team!
You’re a great role model, Walt!
B3 – I consider myself the posterchild (or reflection) of all the great folks I get to learn from, young and old. Thanks for being among them and thanks for reading and listening to my rambles!
You capture the joys of parenting (and teaching) so eloquently!!! You need to write a book! I would buy it! I enjoy all your entries. I hope they continue next year and beyond!
I couldn’t agree with Craig more. Spending time in the classroom has given me an even greater appreciation of the skills necessary to direct such a diversity of emerging personalities. Listening to your words of wisdom as frequently repeated by my daughter has helped me better guide and cheerlead my children’s efforts toward being their best emotionally, as well as academically. Some day soon I will certainly hear worked into our conversation that, “All pirates cry.” And some teachers, too.
Great to hear that the words live beyond the classroom! Thank you for sharing that.