Full of possibilities

The other day, on a long car ride, Sofia and Eva were talking about the future.  First of all, let me point two things out:
1.  Every ride is long when you live in the middle of nowhere.
2.  The conversation was stuck in between two rounds of screaming at each other for no discernable reason.

Anyway, they were making decisions about what they were going to do when they grow up.  Important stuff here.  Sofia says she's either going to be an artist or a teacher.  Admirable.  Eva says, "I'm gonna be an astronaut!".  Sofia replies, "No, you should be a gym teacher!".  "OK!"  says Eva.  I wanted to yell, "UM... NO!".  Instead I just smiled.

When I was their age, I was going to go to Yale.  I didn't know where it was, and I don't know how I ever heard of Yale.  But I had no doubt that I was going there.  Once I made it to high school, I was going to be a writer.  Write what?  I dunno.  But it was my destiny. 

Of course, after years of being reminded that I wasn't actually going to be anything of importance, I gave up all my ideas of success and got into the business of life.  It occurs to me in this moment, that "life" is actually the business I'm in.  I gave life three times, now I have to keep it going for at least the next 15 years.

The point is when you're a kid, the possibilities are endless.  Of course you can choose between astronaut or gym teacher.  Why not?  Of course it's all going to work out the way you want it to.  Why not?  Of course we can sell your sister for a new Wii game.  Why not?

I can only hope that once they actually become an astrophysicist, a Supreme Court Justice, and a Brain Surgeon/diva (here's looking at you Maya), they'll be as fulfilled inside as they will be respected outside.