 Since then, I have proudly watched you grow... and grow... and grow
some more, into the 6-foot, 5-inch man that you are today. Because
of your unique height, you can now see more and reach higher than
anyone in our entire family. It is a testament to your innate
humbleness that you choose not to reach any higher than your red
Converse sneakers. Those sneakers are high-tops, though -- sort of a
nod of acknowledgement to your vast potential. Also, the red color
is no doubt an attempt to draw your listeners' eyes downward rather
than into the far reaches of your beautiful face. So unpretentious!
You have had an extremely varied life. You've tried basketball,
which, considering your frame, would have probably made you way too
much money if you had played for more than six weeks. You were also
in Boy Scouts for a short time. Apparently, you had a problem with
"being prepared." Too bad, because the uniform looked great on you.
Ah, you were much too young to deal with the pressures of those
fleeting endeavors, anyway.
A longer stint in band and theater were the means you employed to
make a large army of friends in high school, but these activities
lacked the "stickiness" needed to make you pick up your trombone or
utter a single monologue since you graduated.
A guitar was more to your liking, you said. This, of course,
shows that you embrace change... for a short time, at least.
You are also resourceful in your commitment to ecology. You even
try to save your little piece of the world by keeping the use of
laundry detergent to an absolute minimum.
One thing you have really taken a liking to, which will probably
have no bearing on your future, whatsoever, is video games. Boy, if
there is one area where I can showcase your stick-to-itiveness, this
is it. Never in my life have I seen such determination, persistence
and single-mindedness as your dedication to your video games... with
the exception of your older brother. Yeah, he modestly denied it as
well. But we, your family, are well aware of your alternate life.
And, of course, we are so proud of your accomplishments there.
[to top of second column]
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College was a boon for you. So many majors, so little time! I am so
pleased with the way you persevered through so many changes and
adapted so well. In your signature style, you finally settled on a
double major, which should open up more possibilities for jobs when
you graduate, if applying for a job doesn't clash with your ideal...
a stress-free life. College is supposed to be a launchpad for
success, and I know that you will soon be launching your career,
whatever that may be. Because of the self-discipline you have shown
in your video game life, I can see that college isn't just a way
station to mediocrity for you.
I understand you are happy right now. You've told me that many
times. Ah yes, I remember when eating noodles in sauce for every
meal and reusing dental floss made me happy too. It was a long time
ago. It was a time when your older brother had to sleep in a drawer
and his first toy was a salami. We were happy, though. Our rented,
asbestos-filled house with no shower made us happy. The rat that
chewed the nipples off the baby bottles made us happy and so did the
army of sweet ants that could devour a pan of brownies in one night.
We were so happy.
Still, being in the possession of remarkable hindsight, I can say
now that college and a good-paying job might have been a better
option.
When you were born, 21 years ago, all I ever wanted was for you
to be happy, healthy and financially independent. Two out of three
isn't bad, I guess.
Twenty-one years later, though, I still wish you a "Happy,
Healthy and Financially Independent Birthday!"
Love,
Mom
[By LAURA SNYDER]
You can reach the writer at
lsnyder@lauraonlife.com
Or visit www.lauraonlife.com
for more columns and info about her books. |
