What am I going to be when I grow up, Daddy?
“What am I going to be when I grow up, Daddy?” TheMonk asks me as we cuddle on the couch.
I’m unsure what prompts the question but I look at him and I say, “You can be anything you want to be, Buddy.”
Not satisfied, TheMonk presses me for an answer, “But what am I gonna be, Daddy?”
“What do you want to be, Little Man?” I ask.
“I dunno.” he replies with sadness in his voice.
Son, we had this conversation just this morning. The first Tuesday in June when many states went to the polls to vote on important issues and, in some states, to elect a candidate for the office of the President of the United States. it is certainly a day to reflect on our future.
So coincidence or not, you asked me today, out of the blue, what you were going to be when you grow up and I tried to give you a bunch of alternatives. I asked you if you wanted to be a fireman, an astronaut, a race car driver or a baseball player – all of which you responded with a firm “No.”
And then, as the enormity of the day hit me and I looked into your eyes that reflect your Latino, African-American and Caucasian roots, I felt with all of my heart that you truly can be anything you want. “Do you want to be President of the United States, Monk?” I ask. And while you replied in the negative, such a thing too far out of your three-year-old world, today, more than any other day, that possibility is very, very real.
You see, my son, today the Democratic Party is poised to nominate the first African-American for the office of the Presidency. This is an historic time in our country and it makes me very proud to be able to look at you and know that you can truly aspire to become the President of our great country. Today, race is at the forefront of our national conscience and win or lose, Senator Obama stands for every little boy of color who says, “I want to be President someday.”
This election season has been historic in many ways. A woman and an African-American man each were poised to become the nominee of the Democratic party. It’s a reflection of our little world here and it makes me so excited for you and your sister’s future. This isn’t about our political views or a party affiliation. No, this is affirmation that anything is possible.
So, my son, to answer your question, you really can be anything you want to be. You can be a fireman, a race car driver and, yes, The President of the United States.
In fact, if you do become President you won’t be the only one in the family who wants to be a world leader.
“What do YOU want to be when you grow up, Swee’pea?”
“A Princess!!!”
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A Princess sounds a lot more fun than being stuck dealing with Congress all year.
Comment by Neil — June 3, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
DrillSgt’s been saying the same thing since the beginning of this event. Being a history teacher and a poli-sci major, it’s pretty much been at the forefront of all of our dinner conversations. I do think however, that Da’Gorgeouses would be more inclined to go with Swee’Pea’s answer.
Comment by MamáChanga — June 3, 2008 @ 11:00 pm
I hope I’m alert enough in about forty years to remember his name and vote for him. I can’t help Swee’pea out though. She’ll have to marry royalty.
Comment by Darren — June 4, 2008 @ 4:51 am
OK, that was a really sweet post. How cool to be the father of a president and a princess.
Comment by Hygiene Dad — June 4, 2008 @ 5:01 am
Once again, you bring me to tears.
Comment by Dawn — June 4, 2008 @ 6:08 am
It seems Swee’pea may have already acquired princess status.
Comment by above average joe — June 4, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Well, congratulations to Swee’pea, because I believe she has already achieved her life’s dream!
Such an overachiever…
It is a good day, isn’t it? A person around the age of my parents once said to me “I don’t believe we’ll see a person of color or a woman in the White House in MY lifetime.” I am praying that barring an out-of-control-truck incident, they’re about to be very wrong.
Comment by Lauren — June 4, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Barack is making history in the short term, and it looks like TheMonk and Swee’pea will have things covered in the long term. The future looks bright!
Comment by Kevin T. — June 4, 2008 @ 9:28 am
I will vote for Swee’Pea when she runs for princess!
Comment by Deanna — June 4, 2008 @ 10:34 am
But she is ALREADY a princess.
Comment by Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah — June 4, 2008 @ 11:48 am
Very nice post.
Does Monk know that a baseball player gets paid more?
Comment by Whit — June 4, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Tell Swee’Pea that she could be president, too. It’s just like being a princess: Newshounds following you, no privacy, each and every statement made subject to intense scrutiny, fancy balls and dinners, the works.
Comment by Brian — June 5, 2008 @ 8:37 am
This has to be my favorite post of yours yet. Great writing.
I’ve been having the same conversations with my children as of late. It is such an exciting time for our children to live in.
They really can be anything they want to be.
Even princesses.
Comment by Redneck Mommy — June 5, 2008 @ 9:24 am
As soon as it came about that the democratic nominee would be either a woman or a black man, I knew I would cry on election day when they won (positive thinking!) and made history. But it’s only JUNE and I’m already tearing up. Great post, I wonder what will be happening in the world by the time the Monk is old enough to vote?
Comment by Rachael — June 5, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
i kinda still want to be a princess when i grow up.
or president.
Comment by ali — June 6, 2008 @ 5:44 am