There’s a small part of you when young that screams from the rooftops that anything is possible, to dream without restriction. Keep that part alive, no matter what. It’ll do great things for you. And all it asks of you is to do the same in return.
My dad founded a school for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Oh, I know what you guys are thinking, but sorry to burst anyone’s bubble… no super-human qualities in sight. Oh, I know. Very disappointing!
But, just wait! There’s more…
Somehow, in this day and age, people think that being realistic is the absolute bomb. When really, it just blows up in their faces. See what I did there? Hahaha, so punny! I crack myself up.
Well, what these “realists” are preaching is that they’re the sensible ones. Let’s be “REAL” though, do you think that if Abraham Lincoln, that grew up in a cramped little cabin in the middle of Tim Buck Three, had restricted himself to what was realistic, would he currently be a huge statue in Washington, D.C.? Or on that mountain called RUSHMORE? Don’t think so. Instead of being like, “Don’t dream, you get hurt.” He’s like, “Let’s rise up from this pit to be the best human being alive…plus, let’s throw honesty into the mix. Why not? Sounds good.”
But if you do take my advice to be like Lincoln, which you totally should, don’t get shot at a theater. Stay away from theaters. Just opt for Redbox. It’s cheaper, anyway.
Now, some people doubted the opening of this school. Some think, or even communicated, “Oh, that’s nice, but people don’t just open up schools.” In two years my dad’s aspirations of Providence Christian Academy became a reality. You’ve got to realize that with hard work the things that you thought you could never do, could only be a decision away.
So if your dream in life is that you want that last chocolate chip cookie in the cookie jar, and it’s gone when you go out to the kitchen…there may be some complications, but just don’t give up. You’ll get the cookie eventually. Don’t let anything get in the way of that cookie! If you’re out of chocolate chips, go to the store. If your siblings keep stealing the cookies, slap them. (JUST KIDDING! Don’t, I repeat, DON’T slap them). If you can’t bake whatsoever, make someone else bake them for you.
See, there’s always a way to your goals. You know, unless your goal is something physically impossible like, “when I grow up, I want to be a chicken!” Sorry to break it to you, but no amount of hard work will ever make you a chicken.
In essence, if you’re a person being restricted by the realists or the pessimists, don’t fall for their negativity. Being a realist is just a nice way of calling yourself a pessimist. Of course, you need to be REALISTIC about certain things, it’s called common sense. Because no amount of positivity will save you if you scream, “I can fly!” and jump off a cliff.
What I’m saying is the truth…you should never limit yourself, or box yourself in by society’s standards. For example, society says all teenagers are incompetent fools who don’t have enough sense in their bodies to do anything impressive. What they don’t realize is that before World War II there wasn’t any such term as “teenager”. You were either an adult, or you weren’t, which forced kids to grow and take on maturity.
“Teenagers” are the product of this society. Kids see how teens act and naturally think, “Oh, I can just do nothing whatsoever and goof off for six years.” Trust me, I remember being a little kid. All we thought about was growing up or what we’ll be like when we’re teenagers. When they see the big kids acting this way, it suddenly seems fine to follow. It’s just the cultural norm. Then the circle of immaturity continues, especially when some continue in their childish ways into adulthood.
Of course, going against the grain will be very tough. For everyone, not just teens. People may call you a little naive, or maybe a dreamer for not being satisfied with mediocrity. Come on, though, it’ll be so worth it in the end. Even if you don’t get that chocolate chip cookie, you’ve grown from the experience.
All in all, don’t worry. You definitely don’t have to go the journey alone. Do you think a school came to be without LOADS of amazing, wonderful, and encouraging people (plus God!) working toward this end goal? Nope! Our family has had tons of friends, family, and random donators that have helped this mission, and honestly it wouldn’t be the same without those people. I’m looking at you, Barb Clark (the wonder librarian…and music teacher, and secretary some days), Mrs. Nancy Peckman (my former second grade teacher that is a legend in the classroom), Mrs. Hussack (my mentor and another magnificent teacher for kids who have special needs), Mrs. Fitzpatrick (our art teacher that made the RENAISSANCE interesting to us), and Mrs. Bookamer (our wonderful secretary that comes in few days a week to help us, she does a fantabulous job!) thank you to all you wonderful human beings.
Man, it was such a bad choice to start listing people. I can’t possibly list everyone! So, thank you, EVERYONE that has played a part. Grace Baptist Church, you’ve played a huge part, as well.
So the ultimate lesson here is don’t let people step on your fire; instead, blaze your own trail. But, really, don’t give up on those chocolate chip cookies. They’re worth it.
…Dang it. Now I want cookies.
Your trusty unorganized blogger signing off! (Because I’ve written entirely too much, sorry not sorry.)
xoxo Hannah
the observations of a wordsmith 