All parents have dreams for their children and many of those dreams include some way of living vicariously through their children. I know you will all deny it, but you can just admit it. You know it’s true. I won’t judge you. There are those parents who push their kids in sports because they dreamed of becoming a star athlete themselves. There are the stage moms who always wanted to be stars. There are the parents who demand that their kids do well in school because they always wished they had done better, become lawyers, or doctors, or architects.
Not unlike these parents, I have a dream for my daughter. But it’s not a big dream. It’s not about fame or success, but it is about living vicariously through her. I want her to do something that I always wanted to do, but never could.
Eleanor will be a drummer!
picture from June ‘09
I always wanted to be a drummer, but because of my disability I can’t really flex my ankle to use the pedal on a bass drum. Also, I have no rhythm, so even if I could I’d be a pretty crappy drummer.
I don’t know why I love the drums so much. There is just something super tough–very physical, kinda aggressive–about playing the drums. Especially so for a female drummer. I loooove to see a female drummer.
So, my dream for Eleanor is to be a kick ass female drummer. I’m already planning to get her a drum kit for her next birthday (we thought about getting it for her 2nd birthday, but decided it was a little early). And two of her uncles play drums, so she already has teachers ready for her. I can’t wait!
As for what she does with the rest of her life, I don’t really care as long as she’s happy. But you better believe this kid is going to be top of her class in high school, that’s non-negotiable. After that it’ll be up to her!
