I had something happen to me a few days ago that hasn’t happened in a long time.
Someone asked me what my dream was.
Let me set the scene for you. We’ve just acquired new neighbors next door – and the young man of the family had wandered over while I was weeding my front gardens to chat me up a bit.
I asked him how he liked the neighborhood, and, given his apparent age, what his plans might be for the future.
He talked about an interest in attending college in the area, and was looking forward to an opportunity to meet successful people. He told me his dream was to go into business for himself. Displaying that boundless confidence that comes with youth, he told me that he knew he would do well and make his fortune.
Then, he asked me about my dreams.
When you’re a parent – and like my husband and I, older parents – you kind-of forget about dreams for yourself, and his question took me aback for a moment. I mumbled something about helping my son to get into college and achieve his dream career.
Then I thought for a moment longer, and added someday I thought I might like to write a novel.
I’ve always believed people come into our lives for a reason, and looking
back on that neighborly exchange, I’m wondering if this might have been one
of those cases.
We’re all guilty of simply doing what must be done to get though each day.
I know many days, I am. But life needs to hold something more for all of us. We all need something to look forward to.
I’m grateful to that young man for reminding me we’re never too old to have dreams.
Speaking of dreams, I can’t think of one more satisfying than helping others to achiever theirs. That’s kind of the business this month’s feature subject Clark Eckhoff, owner and president of the Valley Blue Sox, finds himself in. Every summer he’s got a fresh crop of college ballplayers looking for a good season to polish their skills, many in the hopes of a shot at the big time. But he’s concerned about more than just the players. Fans matter, too. Get the full story on page 8.
Thanks for reading,
Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
