The Wonder Years -

My little Jake (and I use the word little very loosely) is throwing me a curve ball. J just turned 12 and he already seems to have his life planned out. I think of myself at age twelve and I was far from having my future mapped. I am sure that his mind will change a million times between now and the age of 14, but for now, he's pretty solid.

The part that has me stumped is the occupation that he has chosen. For several years now, Jake has had a true affinity to pilots. He loves airplanes and helicopters of all kinds. A couple of weeks ago it was Spirit Day at our Elementary School. The kids could dress as their favorite celebrity. While most students resembled Hannah Montana and other rock stars, my boy dressed up as Charles Lindbergh. Yep, I said Charles Lindbergh. The kids at school shockingly didn't know who he was, so he made himself a name badge and proudly wore that thing.



So here's my angst. Jake just got through presenting his ELP report to me on his chosen career as an Air Force Pilot. He will present it to his class this week. This shouldn't surprise me because he has talked about this path many times. Each time, I have made sure to point out the dangers and the downside of this choice (because I am an incredibly supportive parent). Obviously I have scared him none whatsoever and maybe I am calling to his inner rebel and actually making the career choice stick. I don't know. I don't know because I haven't had to deal with this yet! Matthew has decided to be a rich and famous singer/songwriter ... BUT he has agreed to get an education in case the fame doesn't pan out. Kacey is getting a degree in Spanish/Education and will use it for something amazing. Keaton, as of now, is following in his Dad's footsteps and is planning on taking over the family plumbing business but will also get a degree. These choices may all change drastically in the coming years, but so far they're all something I can wrap my brain around. But the Air Force? I have no good thoughts about my kids in any type of military situation. Why can't I support that? I am sure that my fear is overriding any feelings that I would like to have of patriotism. I am sure that if the time comes that this is actually the choice that Jake follows, I will learn to hide that fear and muster up the support that he would need. But for now, I will continue to hope and pray that my children will be able to follow their dreams and attain them in safe mode. Stay tuned.