How do we make dreams come true?
I, like most fathers, have big dreams for my children. I dream that they will be scientists, doctors, police officers, professional athletes, or a member of this country’s military. I dream that the will be successful, provide me with a ton of grandchildren, and that they are happy. I dream that they will make the world a better place.
As a father, it is my job to provide my kids with the knowledge, the skills, and the tools they will need to make their own dreams come true. Although I talk with my kids and listen to them, although I tell them that can be whatever they want to be and do whatever they want to do, the most important way I can help my children’s dreams come true is to show them that they really can.
Two weeks ago, I did exactly that. Two weeks ago I showed my children that dreams really can come true. Two weeks ago, I published my first novel, something I have dreamed about since I was in high school. Needless to say, it wasn’t easy. I worked for years on my story. I wrote and rewrote, edited and re-edited, changed the story, went back to the original version, and then changed it again. Even after I have the manuscript the way I wanted, I spent more years trying to find an agent and getting the book published. My children have been witnesses to every step in this process and they have witnessed the pain and frustration that comes with disappointment. Now, they have also witnessed the joy that comes from hard work and perseverance. They have witnessed my dream come true. This, more than anything, makes this moment in my life even more special and the dream that much more sweet.
I have dreamed of publishing a novel since I was in high school and although it took about 20 years longer then I hoped, I wouldn’t change this for a moment because my children were here to witness my dream coming true.
My novel is titled Sex, Lies, and the Classroom and it is a story about the struggles of a teacher in an inner city school. It is available at www.jamespwilcox.com or at Amazon.com.