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| Mom, I am joining the Marines. |
From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I had no doubt you were different. A free thinker, a way of being which comprises a mere two percent of the population. Someone who can stay out of the box the status quo stringently proposes; a box which many people innocently accept. It was apparent to me, you are one of the few who asks questions, who can see through the insanity, who may bring the world innovative solutions. With this impression of you, I am sure you are not surprised that when hearing of the possible path you are considering, I was thrown for a loop. For me, this path you are deliberating is directly opposite to the inherent nature I observe in you.
So taken aback was I by your possible choice, I waited a couple of weeks before responding. I waited for some missed detail to surface, to slap aha! into my brain. I waited hoping for better understanding of why this road appeals to you. However, today I am still confused and when I am confused, I write it out.
I don’t get it. It bewilders me how an artistic, highly intelligent and curious young man would be attracted to a path where his imagination will be curtailed, his non-conformity will be commanded to obey and his curiosity will be squashed into compliance.
Is it because it poses a viable solution to the problem ‘which way to go‘? Is it because your noble self cries to serve his fellow man? Is it because you see a hero’s path of honor ? Does it answer your desire for independence away from home? Acknowledged. Agreed. These are all excellent reasons for this choice. Although I have to say that independence from home, if that is your goal, under this regime will be far more restrictive. Whatever your reasons, as good as they may be, I ache with the sadness, I ache with the loss.
You are an independent thinker. A man of silent ways who can stay calm in a room full of chaos. Although many would say an aptitude for the reality which you entertain, I firmly say, no! We need him in the world of art, in the world of humanity, in the world of the future. We need his imagination. We need him to discover new avenues not tread old-worn-out ones.
The system you are courting will beckon you with open arms. They will promise great rewards and then, they will break your spirit so that you may be alike all the others. They will stamp out your individuality. They will sculpt you into their one-fits-all clone. They will strangle your creativity. They will eradicate your innocence and you will be forever changed.
It isn’t that I don’t think you can deal with the tests which will be flung upon you. On the contrary, I don’t doubt once you set your mind to a choice, you will succeed. It is rather that I would wish a different set of challenges for you. I would hope to preserve and stimulate your individuality. I would prefer your originality to be nurtured and revered. I would wish for your creativity to flourish.
The above is my humble opinion, and I don’t assert knowing what’s best for you. Your destiny will call and you will answer on your terms. However, I would wish before you attach yourself to a decision, you will gather to yourself as many options as possible. Don’t forget who you are, don’t ignore your gifts, your talents. Make a decision based on as much information as you can amass. Allow other’s opinions in for serious contemplation, begin your journey to manhood in this way. The difference between a boy and a man is that a man will accept everyone’s opinions, information and advice. A man understands he is the one who will make the final decision. A decision which, after all the evidence supplied has been judged, will, first and foremost, please himself. A boy on the other hand, blocks out any information afraid that his decision will not be his. A man has no doubts his mind is his own.
Of course this is an opinion and when assessing any opinion I am sure you understand all opinions are subjective impressions. And for the record, there is one more thing, I have no doubts you will be great at whatever you choose to do.
*Dedicated to Dylan, who is part of my heart.
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Posted by greunie on 2009-10-15 15:09:10 | Rating: | Views: 188
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