I always wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up. Horses, cattle, being outside, branding calves; this was the stuff of a boy's dreams. About age 7, it occurred to me that becoming a grown-up cowboy was out of the picture seeing that the nearest thing to a horse that I could get my hands on was a straw broom. I figured that the best way that an aspiring young wrangler could get hired was to grow up on a ranch. We lived in the west, unfortunately though, it was just western New York state where the only ranches around I knew of had three bedrooms and a big picture window in the living room. What an emotional crisis for a second grader to work through without therapy. The reality of it all was depressing for months.

Now, I enjoy talking with my youngest son about his career plans. He, too, wishes to be a cowboy. You see, I have reconsidered my earlier decision and both of us are going to be cowboys now when we grow up. He is delighted that Dad will be waiting for him to reach an age suitable to become a cowboy when we can both ride our trusty horses as a team; roping calves, fixing fences, and checking on the herd. We both laugh and giggle about the pending excitement of it all and don't even think about the idea that circumstances will change.

Sadly, his cowboy boots will be replaced soon by the latest fashion sneakers and his oversized cowboy hat will find a final resting-place somewhere on the closet floor. The fantasy of the horse and the range will fizzle as well meaning adults remind him of the harsh reality of the "real world" and its promise of misfortune for those not wise enough to pay attention to their warning sirens.
A good education will lead to a well paying job and only those who recognize at an early age that life is very hard will survive the struggle.

Should I tell him that the struggle so many have with life is a direct result of listening to others instead of one's heart? Our passions as youths too often get washed away with the tidal wave of practicality offered by the well intentioned. Our paths in life should be a well-trodden trail in pursuit of our dreams, not a haphazard walk guided only by the incomplete directions offered by others.
My son deserves the opportunity to find his own passions and dreams. If his spirit dreams of being a cowboy with Dad this week, then count me in on that dream partner. I'm back in the saddle again riding the range once more...

Douglas E. Emerson
© 2000