wishes

I wish I had a ton of money so I could give it away. I’d give it to researchers to find a cure for Epilepsy and Cancer and Alzheimer’s and other diseases. I’d give it to folks who work too hard and still don’t have enough to eat or time to spend with their kids. I’d give it to improve schools and teachers' salaries and to students to pay for their college tuition. I’d give it to organizations to fund free public art, music, theater and dance. I’d give it to promote civil rights.

If I could do anything, I’d want to be a doctor helping little kids get better. I’d want to explore the universe. I’d want to be a musician playing to crowds for free. I’d want to write books that could change people's lives and outlook. I’d want to make folks laugh and come together. I’d want to take disadvantaged kids and their families to places they’ve never been—perhaps the ocean, the mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite.

If I could simply wish anything into reality for Calvin I would wish things that I already wish every single day. I wish Calvin's seizures would end and that he could stop having to take medicine. I wish Calvin could walk and talk and run and play with other kids. I wish he could feed himself and eat anything he wanted. I wish I could teach Calvin about the world, about our beautiful universe, about love, compassion, broad-mindedness and generosity. I wish Calvin could go fishing with his dad. I wish he could know the joy of a picnic by the sea or a frolic in the snow. I wish he could make art by himself. And I wish others would love him, which of course, has already come true.

From December 2010.

photo by Michael Kolster