When I grow up… think like a child.
One of my favorite things about working with kids is to hear the conversations that go on when their little hands are busy. Some of the most shy become the most vocal, the serious become hilarious, and generally what is spoken is 100% truth (or believed truth).
A few weeks ago as the kids were working hard on a project, I overheard the kids discussing what they wanted to be when they grew up. “When I grow up I want to be …a doctor, … a policeman, … a movie star.” were the first few responses. Then came this one: “When I grow up I want to be the tooth fairy.” I thought for a minute that she was joking, then I looked at her face. She was dead serious. When she grows up she’s going to be the tooth fairy. That was it. No explanation followed. Just the statement and the conversation moved on.
As I drove home that night I was listening to one of my favorite bands, The Avett Brothers, and heard them sing these words “Decide what to be and go be it.” I immediately thought about the girl who knew she’d be the tooth fairy. She believed what she said… and everyone else believed what she said. Nobody questioned her. Imagine what we could accomplish as adults with this mindset. Think about those who have: the Wright Brothers, Picasso, Sir Isaac Newton, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Beethoven, Alexander Graham Bell…. How great it is to think like a child. The sky’s the limit. You can be or do anything. Dream big and go do it.
- Brian
7/2/11
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This is cool, Brian and so true. Thanks for sharing!
“When I grow up, I want to grow flowers… because I can give the flowers to everyone so that they’ll be happy.”
We are pleased and proud that he is able to think of others’ feelings. I only hope that his dreams stand firm under the brutality in the processing of growing-up!!!
How honest and genuine your son’s quote is Phyllis! It says a lot about his nature. I’m sure he will remain a thoughtful and considerate person into adulthood. Continue to be proud.
I remember when you and Wendi decided to start Noah’s Art…and then you just did it! Look at all the lives that have been touched as a result. Way to go, Brian and Wendi!